BBC Worldwide Sells Titles in Russia, Ukraine

BUDAPEST: BBC Worldwide has sold two prime-time dramas to TV3 in Russia, along with scoring a deal for more than 120 hours of programming with TBi in Ukraine.

TV3 went for the first three seasons of Being Erica and seasons one and two of Survivors. Heike Renner, the territory manager for Central and Eastern Europe sales and distribution at BBC Worldwide, said: "BBC Worldwide’s drama titles have attracted significant viewers for TV3 in Russia with their mix of quality writing and adrenalin-boosting action. I hope that the latest acquisition of Being Erica and Survivors will prove to be just as popular with TV3’s audiences."

The male-skewed channel TBi picked up a number of series from across the catalogue. Titles include Life, Wonders of the Solar System, How Earth Made Us, Oceans and all three seasons of Robin Hood. Renner commented: “This is our first deal with TBi who have chosen a discerning mix of programs. I’m delighted that audiences in Ukraine will be able to view landmark titles from the Natural History Unit such as Life and BBC Science’s Wonders of the Solar System.”

TBi’s general producer, Serhiy Demyanchuk, added: “The deal with BBC Worldwide marks a new stage in the active development of the channel’s schedule. It will give Ukrainian viewers the chance to see some of the best science and fiction programming from Britain’s leading TV producer. We are sure that these high-quality shows will be an instant success and bring about good results for TBi, as well as increase awareness of the BBC brand and programming in Ukraine. This is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between TBi and BBC Worldwide.”