TDP & DRG in First-Look Pact for Scripted

DRG has secured a new first-look deal for scripted content with The Development Partnership (TDP).

The new agreement deal is initially for two years, with scripted projects from TDP being developed for both DRG and its wholly owned drama “commissioning club” business, Atrium TV. The first scripted project in development from the new partnership, Cyrano, is for Atrium TV and was launched to club members at MIPCOM. Based on Edmond Rostand’s classic play Cyrano de Bergerac, the six-part series will star Joseph Fiennes in the title role and he is also attached to executive produce.

DRG will represent future programs co-produced with TDP in the international marketplace.

Dave Clarke, executive VP of content for both DRG and Atrium, commented: “We have quickly established a positive and proactive relationship with the team at TDP for non-scripted content, so extending our partnership to cover scripted is a natural next step for us both. With incredible access to talent and their personal passion projects, TDP is in a unique position to generate and develop exciting, high-profile projects. Marry this together with our evolving creative and production credentials, ability to make serious financial investments and understanding of what really works well in the international marketplace and together we can guarantee to consistently produce standout, ratings-winning content with truly committed star power.”

Robert Taylor from The Development Partnership added: “With Joseph Fiennes and Cyrano, TDP’s relationship with DRG and Atrium TV has really hit the ground running. We are excited to be sharing our vision for giving talent a meaningful voice in development and partnering with the perfect producers for the execution of those projects, and look forward to evolving a compelling drama slate that truly captures the attention of broadcasters, platforms and viewers worldwide.”

TDP also recently hired Ed Clarke, formerly head of development at Shoebox Films, as executive producer across the scripted slate. Clarke said: “We’ve had such a positive experience with DRG and Atrium in the development of Cyrano, that it feels incredibly energizing to formalize that relationship with this deal. It’s a springboard for us to do great things, and I can’t wait to get started.”