Banijay Rights Taking The Gulf Global

Banijay Rights has taken on global distribution for The Gulf, a brand-new international drama co-production.

The six-part co-pro is from New Zealand’s Screentime (Straight Forward, Dear Murderer), Lippy Pictures (Jean, Field Punishment No. 1), German fiction specialist Letterbox Filmproduktion (Bad Banks) and broadcaster ZDF. The Gulf is about the moral disintegration of Detective Jess Savage—who finds herself grappling with the idea that justice isn’t always right and some crimes aren’t wrong—as she investigates cases on her home patch of Waiheke Island, New Zealand.

MediaWorks’ Three in New Zealand and Nine in Australia are set to air the drama.

Caroline Torrance at Banijay Rights commented, “The Gulf sees a team of absolute experts in drama production brought together via an exciting new international collaboration—delivering a gripping, fast-paced dive into the world of someone who has suddenly found herself in an unthinkable situation—not knowing whether she can even trust herself. We’re confident it will make compelling viewing and look forward to showcasing it to the global market as part of our impressive drama portfolio.”

Philly de Lacey, executive producer at Screentime, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Lippy Pictures and Letterbox Filmproduktion on this series. The creative expertise of all three production houses will ensure that a very special production is delivered to our screens. This dark series is juxtaposed by its setting in the natural harbor of New Zealand’s stunning Hauraki Gulf and Waiheke Island.”

Simone Emmelius, ZDF’s head of feature films and co-production, remarked, “We are happy to break new grounds with The Gulf and bring an amazing show set in New Zealand to our audience. This series is a further step to expand our co-production slate.”

“With our German partner ZDF and their initial support, and two outstanding international partners, we have a dedicated team on our side that thrives on creative exchange and has the know-how to create high-end series,” added Michael Lehmann, CEO of Letterbox Filmproduktion.

Paula Boock and Donna Malane of Lippy Pictures commented: “Lippy Pictures is proud to be in collaboration with Screentime NZ, Letterbox Filmproduktion Germany and Banijay Rights to bring The Gulf to a global audience. The rushes already promise a dark and dazzling Southern Noir drama, showcasing both the unique creative talent and natural beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Andrew Szusterman, MediaWorks’ chief content officer, commented, “This production promises to have the hallmarks of what makes current television drama so exciting. It will keep global audiences transfixed at every turn, all packaged up by some of New Zealand’s finest production and acting talent and set against her unique landscape.”