TF1, Antena 3 buy Unreal US drama

French commercial free-to-air broadcaster TF1 and its Spanish equivalent Antena 3 have both acquired Unreal, one of the first scripted series out of A+E’s new fledgling drama studio.

Based on Sarah Gertrude Shapiro’s independent short film Sequin Raz, the series was made by A+E Studios for A+E female-skewed net Lifetime.

The drama takes place on the set of a reality dating series, focusing on one of the young female producers as she manipulates the show’s contestants.

A+E Networks sells it internationally and struck the French and Spanish deals.

It has also been picked up by Lifetime in Canada, Latin America, the UK, southeast Asia, Poland, and Africa. A+E said more programming announcements are in the offing for the series.

Joel Denton, managing director, international content sales & partnerships, A+E Networks said: “We are delighted to be able to announce early stage sales in a large number of key territories.

“This is an exciting time for A+E Networks, as we look to build out our scripted slate and grow our broadcast relationships with key partners across a broad range of scripted shows.”