FilmRise Adds to Distribution Catalog

FilmRise has grown its distribution catalog with a co-production with Cosgrove/Meurer Productions and the acquisition of 86 hours of true-crime programming from Pursuit Productions.

The company is co-producing and distributing Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy with Cosgrove/Meurer, a commemorate special paying tribute to the TV series that debuted 35 years ago. The hour-long tribute will see co-creators Terry Dunn Meurer and John Cosgrove sit down with longtime producers and directors of the show to divulge behind-the-scenes stories.

Additionally, it will feature never-before-seen outtakes of host Robert Stack and look into some of fans’ favorite cases. It will debut in October 2023.

“In the early days of FilmRise, Unsolved Mysteries was one of the very first programs we distributed,” said Max Einhorn, executive VP of acquisitions and co-productions. “The industry was in the embryonic stages of AVOD and FAST, and the series gained fresh momentum and widespread success via this new medium of home entertainment. We feel Unsolved Mysteries is embedded into the DNA of FilmRise and credit it as one of the reasons for the company’s rapid success. We are honored to be a driving force in the creation of this tribute special.”

Dunn Meurer of Cosgrove/Meurer Productions said, “We are so grateful for FilmRise’s unwavering support of Unsolved Mysteries. Their dedication to providing a global platform for the series has allowed our loyal fans as well as a new generation of viewers the ability to enjoy the show and help solve a mystery. Our mission has always been to involve the audience in the series, and through Unsolved Mysteries: Behind the Legacy, FilmRise has given CMP the unique opportunity to share with our fans a behind the scenes look at how they helped make the series a success.”

FilmRise also recently signed a deal with Pursuit Productions to acquire the worldwide digital distribution rights to 86 hours of content across eight programs. This includes all five seasons of the John Bunnell-hosted World’s Wildest Police Videos; two volumes of Code Red; the TV specials Getting a Ticket in America, Riots: Mobs Out of Control and Special Forces; and specific volumes of Surviving the Moment of Impact.

“World’s Wildest Police Videos was an important pillar in network and cable programming, helping to launch America’s obsession with reality TV,” Einhorn said.“The genius format of the show also undoubtedly inspired a new generation of ‘caught on camera’ producers and digital creators. As FilmRise’s mission is to carry forward the traditional TV experience into the free streaming world, World’s Wildest Police Videos is sure to remain a pillar of what we love to watch.”

Paul Stojanovich, Jr., CEO of Pursuit Productions, added, “This is an exciting partnership for us. We’ve seen the success FilmRise has had in the global market with similar programs in the true crime genre and have no doubt that they will expand our domestic and international audience reach immensely.”