BBC Worldwide America & Temple Street Ink Development Deal

WASHINGTON D.C.: BBC Worldwide America has struck a development deal with Canada’s Temple Street Productions, with both companies focused on jointly developing and investing in factual-entertainment series for the U.S. market.

Two projects are already in development. The first explores the life-or-death nature of one of North America’s most dangerous day-jobs. The second looks into the life of a woman who is competing and thriving in a man’s world. BBC Worldwide previously purchased a minority stake in Temple Street, in 2008, giving the Canadian company a first-look option in Canada to produce BBC Worldwide and independent formats that BBC Worldwide holds Canadian rights for. BBC Worldwide also has a first-look option to acquire international distribution rights on Temple Street-originate productions.

Matt Forde, the executive VP of sales and co-productions for BBC Worldwide, said: “Temple Street Productions, a valued partner of BBC Worldwide, has established itself as a great producer of hit fiction series, such as the much-loved series Being Erica, as well as factual shows Canada’s Next Top Model and the recently commissioned Recipes to Riches for Food Network Canada and Global. They’re a creative and innovative team, and we look forward to working with them to deliver exceptional factual programs for U.S. and international markets. I’m confident this will be a rewarding partnership for both parties.”

“We already have two projects in the works that we are very excited about developing with BBC Worldwide,” added David Forter and Ivan Schneeberg, co-presidents of Temple Street Productions. “This is a great opportunity for us to expand our presence in the U.S. market.”