A+E Networks & Newen in French Formats Pact

NEW YORK: A+E Networks is partnering with Newen Studios to bring a range of formats to French audiences.

Under the pact, Newen will be able to produce such A+E formats as Alone and Bride & Prejudice for local versions. Bride & Prejudice features couples trying to overcome differences in race, religion, class or sexuality. Alone is a self-shot format that features survival experts being dropped into wilderness locations.

“Our deal with Newen demonstrates A+E Networks’ commitment to continued expansion in the international marketplace through strong, long-term partnerships with the best broadcast and production players,” said Patrick Vien, the executive managing director of international at A+E Networks. “Our formats belong to a new generation of television; they are entertainment with a social purpose. After major success in the U.S. and the U.K. we consider France’s audience to offer enormous potential for groundbreaking formats.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Newen to grow our collective businesses together,” added Denis Cantin, the VP, head of international sales for EMEA at A+E Networks. “As Newen becomes A+E’s production partner in France, it opens the door to our U.S. channels for Newen’s formats and their next high-end drama series.”

Bibiane Godfroid, the managing director of Newen, commented, “Production Valley (Newen’s subsidiary in charge of factual and entertainment) will be highly dedicated to the promotion of A+E formats on the French market and will work with all the broadcasters to promote them.”

Alexandra Crucq, the managing director of Production Valley, said, “I am delighted that this agreement could be made between this great player of the U.S. market and Production Valley. A+E formats question society and the world that surrounds us through new forms of storytelling, thus enabling them to reach a very large audience. Alone and Bride & Prejudice are already being well received on the French market.”