DRG inks first look deal with US producer 44 Blue Prods.

British distributor Digital Rights Group has inked a first-look deal with US production company 44 Blue Productions, one of the first moves following the launch of DRG America.

The distributor, which is backed by Ingenious Media Active Capital and constitutes brands including Portman Film & Television, iD Distribution and C4i, set up a North American operation towards the end of 2008. The division is run by former HBO exec Lee deBoer.

The company has inked a deal with the LA-based producer to give it first look to distribute 44 Blue Productions’ slate of reality shows internationally. It will also create a development fund for new projects.

44 Blue Productions, which was set up by Rasha and Stephanie Drachkovitch, has produced series including Pit Bulls and Parolees for Animal Planet and US Navy Pirate Hunters for Spike TV. It currently has two pilots in development for TruTV, which DRG has earmarked for international distribution.

The deal was brokered by agent Isabella Zoltowski at WME Entertainment.