NBC Picks Up FME’s Merlin

LONDON,
May 6: FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has sold the new fantasy family drama
series Merlin
to NBC for a prime-time premiere this winter.

Merlin will debut first in the U.K. on
BBC One this fall. Consisting of 13 hour-long episodes, Merlin is a fantasy series set in the
mythic city of Camelot. The series centers on Merlin and Arthur's early lives,
depicting them as ambitious young men who were looking for adventure, hoping to
live up to their family’s expectations, discovering love and finding their own
true destiny, and making mistakes along the way. Merlin is played by Colin
Morgan (Doctor Who), while Bradley James (Lewis) stars as Arthur. Additional cast members include
Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Richard Wilson (A Passage to India), Angel Coulby (Magicians) and Katie McGrath (The
Tudors). The
series also features CGI by the same visual effects team behind the
Oscar-winning Gladiator.

"We've
teamed up with our creative international partners to present a new generation
of viewers an updated interpretation of the timeless, mythical story of Merlin,” said Teri Weinberg, the
executive VP of NBC Entertainment. “Audiences of all ages will get a fresh look
at this unique adventure series brought to life by an appealing cast and
spectacular special effects."

Added David
Ellender, FME's CEO, "Ben Silverman and Teri Weinberg have once again
led the way in bringing international programming into the U.S. market. This is
truly a fantastic deal for both FME and NBC Universal. Ben's belief in Merlin confirms what we at FME already
know: Merlin is a quality, illustrious drama and is an example of the very best the
U.K. has to offer. And FME's international distribution know-how, along with
expertise in licensing and DVD rights, will ensure that Merlin works its magic further around
the globe, receiving the worldwide audience it so richly deserves."

—By
Irene Lew