BBC Worldwide to Take Stake in Freehand Group

LONDON, January 31: BBC Worldwide has agreed to take a 25
percent equity investment in the Freehand Group, an Australian independent
production company, as part of its strategy to boost its content creation capabilities
globally.

Under the terms of the deal, Freehand will have a first view
option on all BBC Worldwide formats—both BBC-produced titles and
third-party fare—for production for the Australian and New Zealand
markets. The deal will also allow Freehand to have all of its formats
distributed through BBC Worldwide’s global distribution network. BBC Worldwide
will also distribute all new titles that Freehand gains the rights to.

BBC Worldwide and Freehand collaborated last year on the
lifestyle show Honey We’re Killing the Kids for Australia’s Network Ten. They are currently producing Pett
Productions’ animal entertainment format Celebrity Dog School, also for Ten.

“The Australian and New Zealand market is a key territory
for us with great relationships with all broadcasters,” said Colin Jarvis, the
director of formats at BBC Worldwide. “This alliance with Freehand expands our
role from simple distribution to full production. Freehand offers the synergy
we’re seeking of strong, creative output and allows BBC Worldwide to expand its
global presence.”