BBC America & Clerkenwell Films Enter Development Tie-Up

LONDON: BBC America has signed a non-exclusive development deal with Clerkenwell Films, behind the hit Misfits, to fund a range of potential projects over an 18-month period. 

The aim is new shows for BBC America, which is currently available in 70 million U.S. homes. BBC Worldwide will then seek co-production partners for commissioned shows. BBC America and BBC Worldwide will provide the U.K. indie with guidance on the channel’s editorial strategy and the companies will regularly meet to discuss projects for development and identify collaborations. 

"Moving into original production is a big step for BBC America and one that we hope can bring interesting new opportunities for UK indies,” commented Perry Simon, the general manager of BBC America. “To stand out in this hugely competitive market we need access to the most creative talents and original shows in the world. We’re sure that with big successes such as Misfits under their belt, the guys at Clerkenwell are a red hot creative hub and we’re excited to work with them."

Murray Ferguson, the chief executive at Clerkenwell, said, “Having the chance to kick-start the development of shows that we know from the outset are targeted at a global audience is a really invigorating prospect. We can’t wait to get started.”