ITVS GE in Distribution Deal with Sputnik Media

LONDON: ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) has entered into a multiyear distribution deal with producer Sputnik Media for the rights to four of its popular entertainment and factual entertainment titles.

The agreement sees ITVS GE taking on the worldwide format and finished distribution rights (outside of Belgium and the Netherlands) for Jobs Without Frontiers, One for the Road, Fear Fighters and Dancing 9 to 5 from Sputnik. Sputnik previewed the shows to international buyers at the ITV Studios Formats Showcase yesterday. ITVS GE will launch the titles officially at MIPTV.

Ronan Hand, the head of factual and entertainment acquisitions for ITV Studios Global Entertainment, said: “These titles are great examples of Sputnik’s reputation for making creative and engaging entertainment and factual programming and they fit well into our diverse non-scripted content portfolio. This is exactly the type of programming that international buyers are looking for to fill key slots in their schedules and so we’re excited to launch them to the global market at MIPTV.”

Kris Gaens, the managing partner at Sputnik Media, said: “The main focus at Sputnik Media is the development of creative new formats that appeal to a broad audience. This deal with ITV Studios will enable these titles to prove their success all over the world.”

Rutger Beckers, the managing partner at Sputnik Media, added: “In ITV Studios we have found a great new business partner for the distribution of our formats. It feels good to be acknowledged for our creative work and the international appeal of our titles.”