BBC Studios International Production Inks First-Look Deal with Alex Gale

BBC Studios International Production has signed a first-look development deal with the award-winning documentary filmmaker Alex Gale.

The deal will see Gale co-develop premium non-scripted content with BBC Studios’ local production companies in Australia, India, South Africa and Germany. BBC Studios will produce and distribute the developed programs internationally.

Gale, founder of Amped Pictures, directed Amazon Prime’s Sons of the Soil for BBC Studios India. The docuseries followed the fortunes of Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan and his pro kabaddi team across a season in the fast-growing sport in India. Gale’s previous work includes the BAFTA Scotland-winning BBC documentaries Scotland 78: A Love Story, Glasgow 1967: The Lisbon Lions and the RTS Scotland-winning The Fort.

Matt Forde, managing director of international productions at BBC Studios, said: “Alex is a remarkable documentarian who has a unique approach to creating candid and thought-provoking films; his handle on the sporting world and bringing their iconic figures and stories to life are unparalleled. We’ve been lucky enough to partner with Alex previously and so we’re incredibly proud to be working with him to create original content for our audiences worldwide.”

Gale commented: “It’s very exciting, there’s such a range of untapped storytelling opportunities across these distinct and contrasting cultures. The aim is to create high production value docuseries with characteristically local narratives that also have the potential to engage an international audience. BBC Studios’ local knowledge, industry relationships and brand recognition in these countries are invaluable, it will help us secure access to talent, previously unseen environments and institutions.”