FremantleMedia International Places Slew of Titles in CEE

BUDAPEST: FremantleMedia International has licensed a variety of programming in Central and Eastern Europe, spanning such genres as factual, lifestyle, drama, comedy and entertainment.

In the Czech Republic, FTV Prima acquired some 300 hours of factual content, including Untamed China, Titanoboa: Monster Snake, Rome Unwrapped, Egypt Unwrapped and Meteor Strike: Fireball from Space. The company also went for 75 hours of Jamie Oliver-led lifestyle series. Ceska Televisa picked up The Untold History of the United States.

Chello Central Europe opted for more than 145 hours of programming presented by Martha Stewart, as well as Lorraine Pascale’s Fast Fresh and Easy Food, The Mind of a Chef and Spice Trip. Hungary’s MTVA took the rights for approximately 50 hours of Jamie Oliver content, including Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals, Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals, Jamie at Home, Jamie’s Family Christmas and Jamie’s Great Italian Escape.

Dramas that have been sold include Wedding Band, which is headed to Sony Channels Russia and 2×2. Amedia licensed Hit and Miss and Laconia for its premium pay and OTT service. Laconia was also taken by MTVA Hungary, as was Kidnap and Ransom and Exile. A free-to-air second-window agreement was made with Disney Channel Russia for the first five seasons of Merlin.

As far as comedies go, Web Therapy and Cuckoo are slated for broadcast on Amedia in Russia and 2×2, and World’s Craziest Fools will air on Discovery Poland and 2×2.

Entertainment sales include three seasons of The X Factor USA to FOX International Channels in Bulgaria, the Balkans, Russia, CIS, the Baltics and Poland, as well as RTL Klub in Hungary. Fox in Bulgaria and the Balkans went for seasons three through six of Project Runway, while Sony Channels Russia purchased the show’s eighth and ninth seasons. In addition, seasons eight and nine of Bellator mixed martial arts have been placed on Russia’s R2 and Romania’s Pro TV.

Maximilian Bolenius, the VP of sales for German-speaking Europe and CEE at FremantleMedia International, said: "In times of continuously challenging market economics and decreasing willingness to take risks, the renowned quality and commercial appeal of our content is in even greater demand. With these sales and the diversity of our new slate we are in an excellent position to continue to provide exciting, signature international content for our Eastern European clients and their audiences."