Universal, FME Ink Merlin Deal

LONDON: Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE) has scored the DVD and download-to-own rights for FremantleMedia’s BBC One drama Merlin for more than 60 markets.

The show, from Shine Productions, has been licensed by FremantleMedia into some 112 territories, including the U.S. with NBC, Canada with CTV, Australia with Network Ten and Germany with RTL Group. Other pickups include Italia 1 and SVT Sweden, both of which have rolled out the series to strong results.

UPIE will distribute the 13×1-hour show on DVD and digital platforms across France, Germany, Benelux, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa throughout 2009 and 2010.

Eddie Cunningham, the president of UPIE, noted: "We are delighted to distribute such an exciting and highly anticipated title as Merlin for the home-entertainment market. Universal has a keen and continuing interest in acquiring quality content and this latest acquisition with its star cast, award-winning special effects and story lines, reflects that high standard of quality." 

Richard Tulk-Hart, the VP of home entertainment for EMEA at FremantleMedia Enterprises, added: "Working with Universal on a project as big as this is very exciting. FME and Universal will co-ordinate very closely to release this fantastic family entertainment series across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It is the first time Fremantle has worked together with Universal on such a large project in so many territories and we are very optimistic about the future."