MIPTV Spotlight: A+E Networks

Known from hit dramas such as Homeland and Billions, Damian Lewis leads the action in A+E Networks’ unscripted series Damian Lewis: Spy Wars.

“Everyone knows and loves the intrigue around the world of espionage,” says Richard Tulk-Hart, managing director of international content sales and co-productions. “We take that international appeal and dig into different agencies and actual stories from the past. At the same time, the show is fronted by one of the biggest actors in the business, who was a lead actor in one of the most groundbreaking series of a similar subject.”

“We are capitalizing on the intense intrigue surrounding the world of espionage,” adds Ellen Lovejoy, VP, head of content sales for the Americas and formats at A+E Networks. “We take that international appeal and dig into different agencies and actual stories from the past.”

The company is also presenting Jesus: His Life. “This is high-end factual programming, an area A+E does better than anyone in the business,” says Tulk-Hart.

In the way of drama, there’s Miss Scarlet and The Duke, set in Victorian London. “The common thread of all of these shows is their international stories and characters,” says Tulk-Hart.

In the documentary series Surviving R. Kelly, women share allegations about sexual, mental and physical abuse inflicted by the eponymous music star. “Our premium factual content provides worldly stories via powerful personal testimonies and expert interviews that grasp audiences and empower them to take action,” says Lovejoy.

She adds, “Premium factual is part of our DNA and has been over our 30-plus-year history.”