ITV Global Entertainment in New Producer Alliances

LONDON, October 9: ITV Global Entertainment has announced an
output deal with the new independent outfit Blink Films, as well as a
first-look, exclusive distribution alliance with Kindle Entertainment.

ITV Global will represent all rights to shows produced by
Blink, which was set up by Dan Chambers and Justine Kershaw in May 2007. The
venture had 15 shows on the air in its first year, and has expanded into
factual entertainment fare. The first commissioned projects to be included in
the output deal are documentaries for Five like Married to the Eiffel Tower and My Car is My Lover, a feature-length prime-time science special for
Channel 4 and a special for Virgin1, among others.

Richard Life, the head of factual at ITV Global
Entertainment, noted: “We’re thrilled to be working with Dan and Justine, both
very experienced and talented program makers. Their reputation means they win
commissions from all the major broadcasters—not just here in the U.K.
This makes them an extremely attractive partner for us and we are delighted to
have fended off significant competition to secure this exclusive partnership.”

Kindle Entertainment
is the new indie launched by multiple-award-winning producers Anne Brogan and
Melanie Stokes. ITV Global Entertainment will work with the company to develop
projects for the worldwide content market. The first development project under
the deal is The Troubadours,
a 26×22-minute property for
preschoolers, based around a trio of traveling musicians. ITV Global
Entertainment also has worldwide distribution rights to the brand new 90-minute
feature film Dustbin Baby, based
on the novel by bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson. The family drama will
premiere on BBC One this Christmas.

Emmanuelle Namiech,
the director of content acquisitions at ITV Global Entertainment, stated: “It’s
fantastic to be working once again with Anne and Melanie, two sought after producers
whose talent brings marvelous storytelling to the screen for young people and
their families. We’re particularly excited too to announce the first show
included in our agreement.”

—By Mansha Daswani