International distributor closes deal with leading Australian Network, Channel 9 and production company, Screentime
London, UK – 4 September 2012 – Leading independent distributor DRG has acquired the international rights to Underbelly 5: Badness and Underbelly 6: Squizzy. The deal with leading Australian network Channel 9 and production company Screentime will see DRG take the two latest installments of the critically-acclaimed crime drama to international markets.
Des Monaghan, Executive Chairman at Screentime, comments: “Delighted to be working with our friends at DRG again and we look forward to building on the great success we have already achieved together with the Underbelly franchise.”
Anke Stoll, Head of Acquisitions and Development at DRG, adds: “The Underbelly franchise has performed well for DRG internationally, with previous series transmitted in over 150 territories. The show’s highly charged storylines are based on real-life so it’s a gritty crime drama that translates across all markets. We are excited to add another two series to our Underbelly slate, and our objective now is to get this Australian hit out to other markets.”
Underbelly 5: Badness follows the demise of the feared underworld crook Perish, who ran one of the biggest criminal enterprises on Australia’s eastern seaboard for over a decade. Perish was charismatic, utterly ruthless and lived according to his own rules until one remarkable cop brought him to justice.
Underbelly 6: Squizzy is set in 1915 and charts the rise and fall of Australia’s first gangster superstar, Squizzy. From opium dens and brothels, to prison and ambush, Squizzy’s life is a mixture of dramatic highs and severe lows.
DRG will be at MIPCOM on stand LR4.23
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