Jasper James’ Screen Glue strikes ZDF deal

Jasper James’ indie prodco Screen Glue has inked a three documentary deal with ZDF Enterprises, the commercial arm of German pubcaster ZDF.

The UK indie has a first-look deal with distributor DRG, as first reported by TBI, but this agreement builds on a pre-existing deal with ZDFE.

Under the terms of the deal ZDFE will sell all three projects internationally.

The first is the previously announced Why Size Matters, a 2x50mins and 10x30mins series about parallel worlds. ZDF will broadcast the show in Germany in 2018, and ZDFE said buyers, including non-linear platforms are already showing an interest.

The other two projects do not, ZDFE told TBI, yet have broadcasters attached. A Day in the Life of Earth is a CGI-led two-parter about what happens to the planet in the space of a day.

The other project is Top Ten Wonders of the Universe, in which scientists select the most-awe-inspiring experiences in the universe. It is also a two-parter and also looking for additional coproducers.

Ralf Rueckauer, vice president, ZDFE.factual at ZDF Enterprises, said: “Jasper James has this very rare talent of being able to turn hardcore science into an entertaining documentary that delves deep into specific topics. He is a great storyteller, he has an excellent scientific eye and is always curious to learn more about humanity and about the world we inhabit. ZDFE.factual is delighted to collaborate with him on these three fascinating projects.”

James added: “We set up this business to create big, ambitious projects that were both entertaining and had global reach – and the ZDF Enterprises team not only shares our vision, but also provides the kind of support you need when you’re trying to pull together the world’s biggest broadcasters.

“These three new shows will all deliver a new way of looking at our world and I am confident that they will surprise and delight both international broadcasters and viewers alike.”

Prior to creating Screen Glue in 2013, James started up another UK indie, Wide-Eyed Entertainment. Before that he was at Walking with Dinosaurs prodco Impossible Pictures.