A+E Networks & Pulse Films in Distribution Pact

NEW YORK: A+E Networks has secured a distribution deal with Pulse Films and its wholly-owned formats and entertainment outfit East Entertainment.

The multiyear partnership sees A+E Networks serving as the worldwide distributor for both East Entertainment and Pulse’s formats and unscripted TV output.

Pulse Films’ projects include feature films such as American Honey, The Witch, The Reflektor Tapes and All These Sleepless Nights, alongside TV projects such as Payday (Channel 4), When Björk Met Attenborough (Channel 4) and Sleeping with the Family (MTV International). VICE Media owns a majority stake in Pulse. In 2015, Pulse launched its formats company, East Entertainment, led by Nathan Eastwood, producer of The Cube and creator of E4’s Bad Robots.

“I am thrilled that we are launching this long-term distribution partnership with Pulse and East,” said Amanda Hill, the chief creative officer for international at A+E Networks. “To be working with such innovative producers will be brand-defining for A+E Networks. Their team’s modern approach to storytelling and entertainment is globally renowned for its style and edge. Establishing A+E Networks as the distribution partner for Pulse and East helps fulfill our ambition of providing provocative, award-winning content throughout our global network, including our channels and sales partners around the world.”

“A+E Networks has built a world-class distribution business leveraging premium content across multiple platforms,” added Edward Sabin, the managing director for the Americas and head of commercial operations for international at A+E Networks. “Our partnership with Pulse builds off of that reputation and success, bolstering our already solid content pipeline with a substantial offering of unscripted television that we are excited to show off to global buyers.”

Patrick Vien, the president of Pulse Films, commented: “Pulse and East are natural destinations for the most groundbreaking creators and talent in the industry, and we are thrilled to be partnering with A+E Networks and tapping into their global distribution network. We are incredibly proud of our slate of programming which has strong appeal in the U.S. and internationally, and embodies the Pulse and East ethos of daring content with a distinctive visual flair. We look forward to working closely with the A+E team to further broaden the reach of our unscripted television.”

Roy Ackerman, Pulse’s managing director, and East Entertainment’s Eastwood commented: “At both Pulse and East we are beginning to create non-fiction programs that are as unforgettable as the wave of extraordinary scripted shows we have all been binge-watching over the last few years—contemporary documentary, formats and blockbuster factual series that the market is now hungry for. It is exciting to be working with A+E Networks to get our shows significant U.S. airtime as well as give them international reach through distribution.”