Endemol to Rep Leverage Outside of U.S.

LONDON: Endemol has picked up the distribution rights outside the U.S. for the hit TNT series Leverage from Electric Entertainment.

The drama stars Timothy Hutton, Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge. Creators are John Rogers and Chris Downey, with Dean Devlin as executive producer. The show was recently commissioned for a fourth season by TNT, where the series has been averaging 4.5 million viewers.

Devlin commented of the deal: “Working together with Endemol is enormously gratifying as we continue to build out our television business. We are excited and energized to be associated with a powerhouse such as Endemol.”

Philippe Maigret, Endemol Group’s executive VP of acquisitions for North America, said: “We are delighted to partner with Dean Devlin and the Electric Entertainment team on Leverage, the only U.S. TV drama produced independently. The originality and fun in the characters and story lines, the quality of the production and the success of the third season with its U.S. audience make the series an ideal acquisition for Endemol, as we develop a leading new-generation indie television drama business and expand our U.S. scripted programming portfolio for international distribution across all platforms”.

Cathy Payne, the chief executive of Endemol Worldwide Distribution, adds, “It is exciting to add the Leverage franchise to our existing catalogue. The sense of fun and high production values of the series will ensure it continues to grow a strong international following.”