Disney to launch Body of Proof in Europe ahead of US bow

Disney is launching Dana Delaney-fronted crime drama Body of Proof in Europe ahead of its US debut, the first time such a deal has been struck.

Disney’s international distribution arm Disney Media Distribution is to launch the ABC Studios-produced show in Italy, Spain and Hungary, where it has been sold to Fox, Cuatro and Story4 respectively, in January and February 2011. This comes ahead of its US bow, which is still to be announced by recently installed ABC network boss Paul Lee.

“This is the first time we’ll launch a show internationally before the US,” says Catherine Powell, senior VP and general manager, Media Distribution, The Walt Disney Company.

Powell says the show, which will be dubbed into local languages, was chosen because of its procedural nature. “Because it’s a procedural it’s less prone to piracy than shows with a serialized arc,” she adds.

The company expects to launch more shows like this in the future. “We continue to push to explore new windows and explore new ways of working with our clients,” she says. “We’re always trying to shorten that window.”