Eccho Rights Ties Up with Portugal’s SIC

Eccho Rights has signed an exclusive worldwide representation agreement with Portugal’s SIC for a pair of serial dramas.

Heart & Soul (Alma e Coração) has 300-plus episodes of 45 minutes each. The series was nominated in three categories at last month’s Seoul International Drama Awards (best serial drama, best screenwriter—serial drama, best actress—serial drama), and earlier this year, picked up an award at the 20th World Media Festival in Hamburg and was nominated for the Rockie Awards at the 40th Banff World Media Festival.

The 327×45-minute Water Mirror (Espelho d’Água) has been nominated for a host of international drama awards, including Seoul International Drama Awards, Banff and the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards.

Both series are produced by SP Televisão.

Fredrik af Malmborg, managing director at Eccho Rights, said: “Portuguese TV dramas are very powerful productions with a strong global appeal. We are very honored to represent SIC as they produce some of the country’s most successful long-running series as the number one channel in the country.”

Cristina Vaz Tomé, chief revenue officer at SIC parent Impresa, said: “International sales is becoming increasingly important in drama production, and series from Portugal have a long tradition of success, with multiple international awards and recognitions in recent years. We are impressed by the global organization of Eccho Rights and this cooperation is a logical step to increase our international presence.”