BBC Worldwide Enters Co-Production Deal with Greek Broadcaster

LONDON, April 10: BBC Worldwide has struck a deal with Greek broadcaster
SKAI Television that will see three titles delivered between 2009 and 2011.

The religious-themed
co-production Bible will be a six-part series
featuring the most important and iconic Bible stories, told through a dramatic
narrative and aided by CGI effects.

SKAI Television will also be aiding the production of Frozen Planet, a six-part
series from BBC’s Natural History Unit. The program offers a portrait of the
polar regions through a multimedia approach. SKAI is also collaborating with
the Natural History Unit on Life, a 10-part wildlife series
shot in HD.

SKAI Television launched in April 2006. The channel has already licensed
such BBC Worldwide titles as Robin Hood, Torchwood and Top Gear.

“Since the channel’s
launch we have developed and maintained an excellent relationship with SKAI
Television, providing its audiences with top BBC dramas, documentaries and
children’s shows from the outset,” said Ben Donald, the head of northern
Mediterranean sales at BBC Worldwide. “This new co-production deal is a logical
step in SKAI’s ambition to associate itself with the strong BBC brand. By
working directly with us, they can now take an important hand in producing
fantastic content for the world.”

Ioannis Alafouzos, the president and
managing director of SKAI Television, added, “Frozen Planet, Bible and Life will encapsulate everything that BBC Worldwide and SKAI Television
stand for—high quality, high impact, prime-time landmark television
series. Through this deal we’re able to strengthen our already fruitful
collaboration with BBC Worldwide and we’re looking forward to co-creating,
promoting and broadcasting exciting television that we are all proud of.”

—By Ned Berke