Deals round-up: BBCS strikes ‘Bake Off’ sale; Globo show sells in Israel; ZDFE to co-pro Danish drama ‘Grow’

Bake Off South Africa

Slovakia snags ‘Bake Off’

Slovakian broadcaster RTVS is to launch a local version of culinary classic Bake Off.

The baking format, which was first produced by UK-based Love Productions, is sold by BBC Studios Distribution, which has struck a two season show with RTVS.

The agreement is BBCS Distribution’s second format deal with RTVS, following the sale of The Greats in 2018.

Local versions of the format are in over 30 countries, with a Kenyan version among recent debutantes. The show has also aired in South Africa, while SBT and Discovery in Brazil have renewed their agreement with BBCS for a sixth season.

A second season has also been ordered for Czech TV and production on the Swedish version of the series recently wrapped.

Orphans Of A Nation

Globo shows sells in Israel

Brazilian network Globo’s telenovela Orphans Of A Nation has been picked up for broadcast by Israel’s Viva channel.

The series, which will premiere later today, follows two Syrian refugees who leave their homes and head to Brazil to rebuild their lives, but must first overcome numerous challenges.

Angela Colla, head of international sales at Globo, said that the sale shows the strength of the longstanding partnership between the company and the Dori Media group, which owns the channels Viva and Viva Plus, and has shown several other of Globo’s shows including Avenida Brasil, Empire, Brave Woman and Rock Story.

“The arrival of the award winning Orphans Of A Nation further reinforces this approach, with a drama that promises to warm public hearts,” said Colla.

Grow

ZDFE to co-pro Danish drama ‘Grow’

Danish broadcaster TV2 has commissioned Grow, an eight-part drama series co-produced by ZDF Enterprises, Rocket Road Pictures and SF Studios Productions.

The thriller follows a young stockbroker who, dissatisfied with his ordinary life, begins a journey to become Denmark’s top drug lord.

Written, directed and produced by the Avaz brothers, the series will premiere later this month on TV2 Play and TV2 Zulu, the drama.

Robert Franke, VP of ZDFE.drama at ZDF Enterprises, said “Grow is an exceptional drama with many layers. It is suspenseful but also thought provoking and the theme of inner conflict, that runs throughout the series, will resonate with audiences all over the world.”

Bloodline Detectives

Genesis to syndicate ‘Bloodline Detectives’

Dublin-based Genesis TV has picked up FilmRise’s first original series Bloodline Detectives for syndication.

As reported in January, New York-based TV and film company FilmRise partnered with LA-based prodco Peninsula Television and Sky Studios to produce the 20-episode forensic investigation series that uses new DNA search technology to solve murder investigations.

The show is hosted by legal analyst and former prosecutor Nancy Grace, who also exec produces withpartner John Terenzio.

Genesis will syndicate the series, with it premiering on more than 200 stations across the US on 3 October next year.

Danny Fisher, CEO of FilmRise, said, “We are perfectly positioned to bring Bloodline Detectives to market as our first originally produced branded series.  And, having Nancy Grace join our team for this new series is just icing on the cake. There is no better talent and true-crime personality to provide the most riveting and compelling program for this audience.”

Bryan Baeumler

Canadian DIY expert shows go global

Broadcasters in the US, Israel, Turkey, Russia and Bosnia have picked up a range of Si Entertainment-produced shows featuring Canadian DIY expert Bryan Baeumler, following deals with Distribution360.

HGTV US has acquired Bryan Inc, which it will begin broadcasting later this month under the title Renovation Inc. Meanwhile, two seasons of the show have also been picked up by Imagine Media in Israel, along with all three seasons of House Of Bryan and all six seasons of Leave It To Bryan.

Multiple seasons of Leave It To Bryan have also been licensed to Medya Film in Turkey and AG Rubin Group in Russia, with KIP International in Bosnia taking all six seasons.

Diane Rankin, Distribution360’s SVP of rights said: “Bryan is one of Canada’s best-loved and most recognisable personalities, and we are delighted to play a part in exporting his infectious enthusiasm, brilliant advice and delightful family to the US, as well as to numerous international territories.”

The Hunt For Escobar’s Hippos

Smithsonian joins hippo hunt

The ViacomCBS-oened Smithsonian Channel has picked up a documentary about Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar’s illegal exotic pet collection – including four hippos.

Set to premiere on 26 August, The Hunt For Escobar’s Hippos is an AGB Films production in association with Oak Island Films for Smithsonian Channel and Terra Mater Factual Studios.

The documentary reveals how, following Escobar’s death, these animals escaped and , breeding at twice their usual rate and with no natural predators to keep them in check, there are now more than 60 loose in the Colombian wilds. The documentary follows the work of veterinarian Dr Gina Serna, who is tasked with capturing and sterilising the animals.

“This was a story we immediately knew we had to tell,” says executive producer for Smithsonian Channel, Tria Thalman. “Americans know Escobar’s legacy all too well but this invasion of hippos that now threatens Colombia’s wildlife is a remarkable, unexpected twist to the sordid tale of drugs and violence.”