FME, Waddell Media Ink Factual Development Deal

LONDON, October 3: FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has
signed a new development deal with Ireland’s Waddell Media (WM), the producers
of the Discovery U.S. series Future Weapons,
for a series of factual projects for the international market.

A dedicated team of development producers, directors and
researchers has been assembled by WM's creative director, Jon-Barrie Waddell,
with filming due to take place imminently in the U.K. and North America. In
return, FME will have first option to acquire the distribution rights to
projects in production. WM will be developing and delivering treatments, taster
tapes and pilots for sale into the U.K., U.S. and international markets.

The factual programming package is being matched by Northern
Ireland Screen through its regional Program Development Fund. Its contribution
brings the total investment well into the six figures.

This marks the third development deal between the two
companies. FME already distributes several WM shows, including the A&E
Films/Five documentary Life After Baywatch.
FME and WM are also currently working together on a diverse range of
co-productions spanning the fields of science and technology, green issues,
architecture, design and food.

Mark Gray, the VP of programming at FME said: “We are very
pleased to have signed this development deal with Waddell Media. We feel the
company has lots of original ideas, a dedicated and lively team and a bright
future. Shows like Future Weapons and Life
After Baywatch have set the company apart
in a crowded market place and we are excited about their next offerings.”