UK, Brazilian prodcos agree copro deal

UK indie Zig Zag Productions has closed a non-exclusive coproduction agreement with Brazil’s Viva Filmes, TBI has learned.

Viva has optioned a number of Zig Zag formats for the Brazilian market, including stop-motion game show Split Second, which was originally for Nickelodeon in the US, and celebrity gladiator format Ancient Games, which was one-off for the UK’s Channel 5.

Viva Filmes is a Rio de Janiero- and London-based production house responsible for BBC Two shows Welcome to Rio and The Seven Wonders of Brazil among others. It is run by doc producer Christina Daniels, and has a strategy to place UK formats on Brazilian channels. The firm launched last year.

The news comes after Zig Zag met Viva Filmes at the Rio Content Market earlier this year following an introduction from the UKTI delegate body.

It also comes ahead of an anticipated bilateral film coproduction pact between Brazil and the UK that will see production companies from both countries access tax incentives and public funds.

“Brazil offers huge potential and we’re excited to announce this deal with Viva Filmes. Viva has unrivalled knowledge of the market which makes them a perfect partner in Brazil,” said Zig Zag CEO Danny Fenton (pictured), whose company was behind recent Fox reality series I Wanna Marry Harry and A&E Network’s unscripted show The Herbert Brothers.

“Zig Zag is one of Britain’s TV heavyweights and Viva Filmes is incredibly pleased to be partnering with them in Brazil,” said Daniels, who is Viva’s managing director. “With the TV market in Brazil at an all time high, this partnership brings a welcome slate of extraordinary ideas and talent to the country.”