Zodiak Clinches Pre-MIPTV Deals

LONDON, April 3: Zodiak
International has closed a raft of deals with international broadcasters and
production companies in the days before MIPTV.

The reality format Unexpected
Visit has been renewed by Rene Stokvis
Produkties in the Netherlands, following the success the first season had on
Dutch channel EO.

The lifestyle format Elixir the National Coach, which features
self-paced training, wellness and sports, is to be produced for NRK in Norway
by Mastiff, one of Zodiak Group’s production companies. The format has been
airing on MTV3 since 2002 and is currently in its 13th season.

Against All Odds, which highlights stories of how people can
survive incredible illness and terrifying accidents, has been picked up by
French-speaking Canal Vie in Canada.

Ananey in Israel has
acquired Cops Uncut for its
pay-TV service, licensing seasons two, three and four of the 50×30-minute
reality show.

Additionally, 150
home-video clips from Zodiak International’s library have been sold to
Granada/ITV Productions in the U.K.

Jorg Roth, Zodiak International’s managing director, commented: “Our
recent move to consolidate Zodiak Television Group’s distribution arm in London
is certainly paying off. Zodiak International’s programming portfolio is truly
global these days and we are seeing a growing international demand for all our
wide-ranging series and formats at MIP.”

—By Kristin Brzoznowski