Rainmaker Content strikes deal to sell Viaplay originals worldwide

Two Sisters

Rainmaker Content, the distributor launched last year by former Kew Media Distribution (KMD) execs Greg Phillips and Graham Begg, has struck a deal to sell shows from Nordic-based streamer Viaplay.

The agreement, struck via Viaplay’s parent Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group), will see Rainmaker acting as a worldwide distribution partner for selected scripted Viaplay originals, with NENT Group retaining rights for Viaplay’s existing and future markets.

Full details of the arrangement have not been revealed but Rainmaker is adding four Viaplay originals as a first move, with two already available on the streamer.

Big Lars (8 x 45 minutes) is a spin-off from Danish comedy series and film Klovn, while Thunder In My Heart (8 x 23 minutes) stars Swedish actress and singer Amy Deasismont.

The deal also includes the upcoming Viaplay originals Two Sisters, based on the best-selling novels by Hannah Widell and Amanda Schulman, and What About Monica (8 x 25’), a coming-of-age thriller created by Julie Budtz Sørensen based on her award-winning Danish podcast, Det Med Liv.

Greg Phillips, co-CEO & founder of Rainmaker Content, said: “We are a young company with an exceptionally experienced and enthusiastic sales team and know that we will do a great job for NENT Group bringing these shows to the global stage.”

Vanda Rapti, NENT Group’s SVP & head of acquisitions, content distribution & partnerships, added: “As we embark on our expansion journey and bring Viaplay to 15 markets by the end of 2023, controlling global distribution rights for our originals with innovative and flexible partnerships is a key focus. This will enable us to maximise the potential of our shows, both in Viaplay’s new markets and for third-party broadcasters and platforms in the rest of the world.”

The deal comes just over a month since All3Media acquired NENT Studios UK (formerly known as DRG), which had previously sold an array of Viaplay’s originals.