Weinsteins Launch International TV Distribution Unit

NEW YORK, April 7: The
Weinstein Company has created a new international television division, which is
making its debut at MIPTV with The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, based
on Alexander McCall Smith’s novel of the same name.

The No. 1 Ladies Detective
Agency launched to 6.3 million viewers in the U.K. on the BBC. HBO has already
ordered 13 one-hour episodes that will begin filming this summer, with HBO
obtaining the U.S. and Canadian television and home-video rights, and the BBC
taking U.K. television distribution. The Weinstein Company controls all other
international territories. The Weinstein Company plans to build on the
performance of the show with the development of a broad range of new TV series
to be created under the leadership of John Miller, who was recently named the
executive VP of television.

Harvey Weinstein, the
co-chairman of The Weinstein Company, noted: “We are excited to launch our new
international television distribution unit as we continue to expand our
presence and build a truly global multi-media company. The No. 1 Ladies
Detective Agency is a worldwide sensation that will appeal to a
diverse range of audiences. MIP is one of the industry’s most influential and
well-attended television markets and the perfect place to find dynamic partners
for this project. We look forward to continuing to create high-quality
television programming that provides the same incredible experience as seeing a
movie on the big screen.”

—By Mansha Daswani