FME Extends Merlin Brand with New Deals

LONDON, September 8:
FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has signed a North American home-entertainment
deal for its new fantasy drama Merlin, and has also awarded the U.K. publishing rights to the brand ahead
of its official launch at MIPCOM.

2 entertain has taken on the
home-entertainment rights for Merlin for the North American market, and will distribute the title under its
BBC Video banner. The company also holds the home-entertainment distribution
rights to the brand in the U.K.

Random House
Children’s Books has acquired the exclusive U.K. publishing rights. The company
will begin its multi-format publishing program in fall 2009, developing a range
of dedicated tie-in titles to support the franchise. Formats will include
fiction and non-fiction as well as activity titles, audio and annuals.

FME holds the exclusive
licensing, home entertainment (excluding the U.K.) and distribution rights to Merlin. In addition to scoring a presale to NBC, Merlin
has sold to CTV in Canada and
Network Ten in Australia ahead of its MIPCOM launch.

FME’s CEO, David Ellender, said “It’s gratifying to see
that, even in the very early stages, the opportunities for the extension of
this brand are being recognised by some esteemed partners. We are eager and
excited to work with them in realising Merlin’s full potential.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski