Press Releases

BBC Worldwide Showcase 2013 Press Releases

26th February 2013

Dancing With The Stars swings into first ever regional version in India

BBC's global hit goes local in East India

Click to Tweet: .@BBCWpress Dancing With The Stars swings into first ever regional version in India #BBCWShowcase http://bbc.in/W7yLop

XX February 2013 - BBC Worldwide has joined up with ETV Bangla, a family entertainment channel in West Bengal, to produce the first regional version of Dancing With The Stars (Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa).

Produced by BBC Worldwide Productions India, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Bangla will air on ETV Bangla in March and aims to build on what is already a hugely successful phenomenon in India, bringing an established and well-loved format to a local audience for the first time.

Myleeta Aga, General Manager and Creative Head of BBC Worldwide Productions India said, "Dancing With The Stars is an established global hit, and no more so than here in India. Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa has paved the way for other dance based reality series, and by introducing a region specific version to audiences in West Bengal, we are once again setting the standard of how such series can continue to be relevant and fresh. "

She continues, "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Bangla promises to take the format to an all new level of entertainment from its previous renditions and this season will be extensively remodelled from the international version to appeal to Bengali viewers."

ETV Bangla's Programming Head, Ritika Roy, said, "ETV Bangla is proud to present Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Bangla which will showcase known and much loved faces from different walks of lives, who will be stepping out of their comfort zones and will be exploring the beautiful world of dance."

Following in the footsteps of India's enormously successful Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, the regional version will feature 10-12 celebrity contestants and is hosted by local actor and star, Jishu Sengupta.

The Hindi language, award-winning version of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa produced by BBC Worldwide Productions India for Colors, has completed its fifth season attracting an audience of over 100 million across the series.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

BBC Worldwide sells programmes on behalf of the BBC and independent producers
BBC Worldwide has around 50,000 hours of programming in its catalogue
With 600 digi booths available at Showcase, the average buyer screens BBC Worldwide content for 6-8 hours a day over three days
There will be 10 premier screenings at BBC Worldwide Showcase covering drama, natural history, music, childrens, comedy, science, history, documentaries, formats and lifestyle

Further information please contact:

Lee Leschasin

Communications Manager, BBC Worldwide Content & Production, Sales & Distribution

T: + 44 (0) 2084331324

lee.leschasin@bbc.com

BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution is responsible for licensing programmes to customers around the world on behalf of the BBC and independent production companies. As the largest exporter of finished television programmes outside of the US studios, this business manages a catalogue of around 50,000 hours spanning all genres. It runs BBC Worldwide Showcase, the world's biggest programme trade fair organised by a single distributor and is also responsible for developing and sourcing funding and partners for international co-productions. In 2011/12, Sales & Distribution generated headline profit of £72.3 million on headline sales of £292.7 million.

BBC Worldwide Content & Production provides investment and expertise to the UK creative industries on behalf of BBC Worldwide in return for rights. It works to maximise the commercial potential of both the BBC's in-house productions and independently produced shows. The business also develops its own formats, and oversees a global network of production bases and talent brand management. In 2011/12, Content & Production generated headline profit of £10.5 million on headline sales of £135.5 million.

www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

bbcworldwide.com

twitter.com/bbcwpress

ETV Bangla launched on the 15^th April 2000, and is part of Prism TV Private Limited Group. A family entertainment channel that brought about a revolution in Bangla Television, ETV Bangla matches the distinctiveness of rich Bangla culture with qualitative and innovative programming. Some of our flagship shows have been programmes like Binni Dhaner Khoi, 16 Aana (Sola Aana), Palabadol, Swayang Siddha, Annapurna and Roshni amongst others.

26th February 2013

Global buyers make urgent appointments to see A Young Doctor's Notebook

Click to Tweet: .@BBCWpress Global buyers make urgent appointments to see A Young Doctor's Notebook at #BBCWShowcase http://bbc.in/15PBnc8

26th February 2013, Liverpool - BBC Worldwide announced today that A Young Doctor's Notebook, the highly acclaimed Big Talk drama based on the memoirs by Mikhail Bulgakov, has been sold ahead of its official launch at Showcase 2013 to Germany (RTL Passion), Russia (RenTV), Spain (Wuaki.tv), Israel (Yes), Turkey (Dogus Yayin) and across Latin America (HBO).
The wry comedy drama, starring Jon Hamm (Mad Men, The Town) and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter, Woman In Black), has been a huge success in the UK, as Sky Art 1's highest performing series to date*.

Daniel Radcliffe, who stars as the young doctor, said, "I'm immensely proud of A Young Doctor's Notebook - I'm a Mikhail Bulgakov obsessive - and this is one of the most interesting and original projects I've had the pleasure to work on. To hear that the series is travelling far and wide makes it all the more valuable to me and I'm sure for Clelia, Kenton, Jon and everyone fortunate enough to be involved in creating it."
Kenton Allen, Joint CEO and Executive Producer, Big Talk Productions, said "'Creating a hit series with such impact and profile was due in no small part to the passion and commitment of Jon and Daniel and the inspired writing and production team, who adapted the work with such flair and imagination. We are delighted to have brought a classic of Russian literature to such a wide audience in the UK, smashing Sky's ratings records, and look forward to doing the same for broadcasters around the world.'
BBC Worldwide's Director of Drama, Caroline Torrance added, "To have two brilliant actors in the leading roles in Jon and Daniel and Big Talk on board as producers, it is clear A Young Doctor's Notebook will appeal to a number of audiences everywhere. The drama is completely unique and is on course to become a must-see classic."

A Young Doctor's Notebook (4 x 30') is a fascinating, dark and unique black comedy based on the semi-autobiographical short stories by Bulgakov and set on the eve of the Russian Revolution. It tells the story of the young medical graduate's turbulent and brutal introduction to his practice, narrated by his older, more experienced self. Dealing not only with the superstitious and poorly educated patients, but also with his own inner demons, the young doctor reveals doubts about his own competence and struggles with the immense burden of medical responsibility. Produced by Clelia Mountford and executive produced by Kenton Allen and Jon Hamm, A Young Doctor's Notebook is a Big Talk Production for Sky.

Other dramas on offer at BBC Worldwide Showcase include The Paradise, Call The Midwife, Ripper Street and new commission Quirke. BBC Worldwide Showcase is the largest event of its kind hosted by a single distributor. In this, its 37th year, over 700 of the world's most important TV buyers are attending the event in Liverpool.

Further information:
Lee Leschasin
Communications Manager, BBC Worldwide Content & Production, Sales & Distribution
T: + 44 (0) 2084331324
lee.leschasin@bbc.com

Notes to editors:
* A Young Doctor's Notebook premiered to 0.6 million viewers, ranking as Sky Arts 1 highest rated programme since the channel's re-launch by Sky in 2005 amongst All Individuals 4+.
BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution is responsible for licensing programmes to customers around the world on behalf of the BBC and independent production companies. As the largest exporter of finished television programmes outside of the US studios, this business manages a catalogue of around 50,000 hours spanning all genres. It runs BBC Worldwide Showcase, the world's biggest programme trade fair organised by a single distributor and is also responsible for developing and sourcing funding and partners for international co-productions. In 2011/12, Sales & Distribution generated headline profit of £72.3 million on headline sales of £292.7 million.

BBC Worldwide Content & Production provides investment and expertise to the UK creative industries on behalf of BBC Worldwide in return for rights. It works to maximise the commercial potential of both the BBC's in-house productions and independently produced shows. The business also develops its own formats, and oversees a global network of production bases and talent brand management. In 2011/12, Content & Production generated headline profit of £10.5 million on headline sales of £135.5 million.

www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview
bbcworldwide.com
twitter.com/bbcwpress

25th February 2013

Major dramas rule as BBC Worldwide sells top titles to Middle East and Africa

Click to Tweet: .@BBCWpress - Major dramas rule as BBC Worldwide sells top titles to Middle East and Africa at #BBCWShowcase http://bbc.in/YKXp9p

25 February 2013, Liverpool - Broadcasters from across Middle East and Africa have snapped up a number of the latest top dramas at BBC Worldwide Showcase 2013. The four-day event, which started yesterday at ACC Liverpool, plays host to over 700 of the world's top TV buyers including IBA, YES and Al Jazeera from the Middle East and Africa's MNet. Between them the networks have licensed The Paradise, Call the Midwife, Da Vinci's Demons, Top of the Lake and Ripper Street amongst others.

Israel broadcaster IBA have picked up two key Showcase titles, The Paradise, starring Elaine Cassidy and Emun Elliott - who attended Showcase's opening gala last night - and Call the Midwife (series one). IBA has also licensed a number of David Attenborough natural history titles including Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild and Attenborough's Giant Egg.

Also in Israel, YES DBS has concluded a drama package that leads with the eagerly awaited Da Vinci's Demons, written by David S. Goyer and starring Tom Riley and Laura Haddock, based on the genius' early years in Renaissance Italy. This follows BBC Worldwide's sale of the eight-part series to Fox International Channels announced in August last year. Other series in the deal include The Fear and The Secret of Crickley Hall as well as a documentary package for titles such as Addicted to Tattoos, Eat, Fast & Live Longer and Junior Doctors (series 2).

In a drama double, BBC Worldwide has licensed both Ripper Street and Top of the Lake, to MNet for South African territory premieres.

Doctor Who (Series 5, 6, 7) will premiere on Al Jazeera's children's channel. Meanwhile Al Jazeera Documentary Channel has bought 200 hours of documentary, current affairs, science and natural history programming including Attenborough's Giant Egg, India on Four Wheels, Panorama: Poor America, Panorama: Price Tag Wars, Transit of Venus and True Stories (series 2-4).

Elsewhere, OSN Dubai has acquired the latest series of Top Gear (S19) and Top Gear USA (S3), securing the exclusive first window in the Middle East territories.

Paola Tonella, Territory Manager Middle East & Africa, Sales & Distribution, BBC Worldwide said, "Drama is topping the bill at this year's Showcase and it's clear that BBC Worldwide's programming with its quality scripts and first class production values are extremely attractive to global buyers. We are very proud of the Showcase slate, and I'm delighted we have completed important deals for these series, as well as our premium blue-chip documentaries, to key broadcasters in this region."

International acting royalty attended the Sunday evening gala in Liverpool to spotlight new titles. Chris O'Dowd (Bridesmaids, Girls, IT Crowd) has joined the fantastic red carpet line-up to promote Moone Boy, due for a hotly anticipated returning series later in the year.

Chris joined a brilliant list of talent including Mark Williams from Father Brown, Maria Doyle Kennedy from new drama Orphan Black and historian Simon Schama. Over the next two days MasterChef and Junior MasterChef presenters John Torode and Donal Skehan, and daredevil Jonathan Goodwin will all attend the four-day event.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

• BBC Worldwide sells programmes on behalf of the BBC and independent producers
• BBC Worldwide has around 50,000 hours of programming in its catalogue
• With 600 digi booths available at Showcase, the average buyer screens BBC Worldwide content for 6-8 hours a day over three days
• There will be 10 premier screenings at BBC Worldwide Showcase covering drama, natural history, music, childrens, comedy, science, history, documentaries, formats and lifestyle

Further information please contact:

Lee Leschasin
Communications Manager, BBC Worldwide Content & Production, Sales & Distribution
T: + 44 (0) 2084331324
lee.leschasin@bbc.com

BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution is responsible for licensing programmes to customers around the world on behalf of the BBC and independent production companies. As the largest exporter of finished television programmes outside of the US studios, this business manages a catalogue of around 50,000 hours spanning all genres. It runs BBC Worldwide Showcase, the world's biggest programme trade fair organised by a single distributor and is also responsible for developing and sourcing funding and partners for international co-productions. In 2011/12, Sales & Distribution generated headline profit of £72.3 million on headline sales of £292.7 million.

www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview
bbcworldwide.com
twitter.com/bbcwpress

12th February 2013

Record number of delegates head to biggest ever BBC Worldwide Showcase in Liverpool to celebrate a significant anniversary

…while all eyes are on Africa as BBC Worldwide sells blockbuster title around the globe

Click to Tweet: @BBCWpress - Record number of delegates head to #bbcwshowcase as Africa sells around the Globe - http://bbc.in/Y8WOzg

12th February 2013: BBC Worldwide Showcase, the world's largest international television market hosted by a single distributor, will be welcoming 700 TV buyers from around the world when it opens its doors on 24th February at ACC Liverpool. This year it will be hosting special events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who and to spotlight the BBC Natural History Unit's highly acclaimed series Africa, which the distributor has already sold to 12 countries including Singapore (Mediacorp), Germany (WDR), Netherlands (NPO), Sweden (SVT), Australia (Channel Ten), New Zealand (TVNZ) and Ukraine (Mega TV).

BBC Worldwide is the largest distributor of TV programming outside of the US. BBC Worldwide Showcase enables the BBC's commercial arm to generate programme sales on behalf of the BBC and independent producers. It provides a major boost to television exports and accounts for around 20% of BBC Worldwide's annual programme sales.

Steve Macallister, President & Managing Director, Sales & Distribution, BBC Worldwide, said:

"In another record-breaking year, we welcome our largest number of buyers to Liverpool - up by 10% on last year - and we have two brilliant programme-themed evenings planned. Africa is certain to capture the imagination of our delegates as it has the British public over the past few weeks. What a perfect opportunity to also celebrate the world's longest running sci fi series with Doctor Who in its 50^th year, at this biggest ever Showcase. We have a great slate of new titles across every genre and are delighted to be hosting some superb on screen talent over the four days of the event."

Stars of BBC Worldwide's key programmes who will be attending Showcase are award-winning Hollywood actor Gabriel Byrne, who plays the lead role in the highly anticipated BBC One drama Quirke, Elaine Cassidy and Emun Elliott from The Paradise, Mark Williams from Father Brown, Maria Doyle Kennedy who will be appearing in the new BBC America drama, Orphan Black, and Eve Myles, the lead in BBC's forthcoming series Frankie. Also gracing the red carpet will be historian Simon Schama, MasterChef and Junior MasterChef presenters John Torode and Donal Skehan, and daredevil, Jonathan Goodwin.

BBC Worldwide's drama slate at Showcase spotlights two highly celebrated titles - A Young Doctor's Notebook starring Jon Hamm and Daniel Radcliffe, and the international hit Call the Midwife (series 2) which has sold to over 100 territories. The highest rating UK dramas for Sky Arts 1 and BBC One respectively*, these critically acclaimed series unveil life for deprived communities on the brink of social change in the 20th century. In contrast, the splendour of a Victorian department store - together with its dark secrets - is the backdrop to a young girl's rags-to-riches tale in The Paradise.

The second part of the seventh series of Doctor Who will whet the appetites of fans around the world in the run up to the show's 50th anniversary in November. Major new drama commissions

include Quirke, Orphan Black, Father Brown, Frankie, The Challenger and The Fear while Luther (series 3) makes a thrilling return.

Joining Africa in a strong slate of natural history titles are Great Bear Stakeout and Penguins - Spy In The Huddle. Science meanwhile explores Rise of the Continents, asks - with BBC History -Could We Survive An Atlantic Mega Tsunami? and sees Bang Goes The Theory return for a seventh series.

The Story of the Jews, David Starkey: Music and Monarchy, Isaac Newton: The Last Magician and Last Heroes of D Day top the list of history programming while The Incredible Mr. Goodwin, featuring the astonishing stunts of Jonathan Goodwin, and L.A. Frock Stars are new factual entertainment titles. The eagerly anticipated return of Top Gear (series 19), MasterChef (series 9) and Junior Doctors (series 3) are also in the factual entertainment slate.

Mr Stink and Bluestone 42 are two brand new titles in the comedy line up while Pramface, Stella and This is Jinsy all return for second series. Children's programming brings Sarah & Duck and Woolly & Tig to preschoolers while new tween scripted reality series The Next Step features with the return of drama series M.I. High. In a bumper music line up Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream is an intimate feature length documentary on the singer/songwriter/actress while a rock legend is celebrated in David Bowie: Five Years in the Making of an Icon.

-Ends-

Notes to editor:

* Call the Midwife Series 2 premiered to 10.8 million viewers and a 34.2% share, easily winning its time slot against all competition and improved upon the share of the Series 1 premiere by 12% for All Individuals 4+. The Series 2 debut attracted shares to outclass BBC One's slot and prime time average shares by 30% and 49% respectively. * A Young Doctor's Notebook ranked as Sky Arts 1 highest rated programme since the channel's re-launch by Sky in 2005 amongst All Individuals 4+.*

BBC Worldwide sells programmes on behalf of the BBC and independent producers
BBC Worldwide has around 50,000 hours of programming in its catalogue
With 600 digi booths available at Showcase, the average buyer screens BBC Worldwide content for 6-8 hours a day over three days
There will be 10 premier screenings at BBC Worldwide Showcase covering drama, natural history, music, childrens, comedy, science, history, documentaries, formats and lifestyle

Further information please contact:

Lee Leschasin

Communications Manager, BBC Worldwide Content & Production, Sales & Distribution

T: + 44 (0) 2084331324

lee.leschasin@bbc.com

www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

bbcworldwide.com

twitter.com/bbcwpress

BBC Worldwide Showcase 2012 Press Releases

1 March 2012

BBC Worldwide and Polish broadcaster TVP agree first co-pro deal for Spies of Warsaw drama

1^st March 2012: BBC Worldwide has agreed its first ever co-production deal with TVP in Poland for new drama Spies of Warsaw, a two part historical spy drama adapted by Dick Clement and Ian de Frenais from Alan Furst's acclaimed novels.

The ambitious new drama from Fresh Pictures for BBC Four will soon be appearing on Poland's national broadcaster, Polish Television (TVP), later this year.

TVP has previously bought a range of finished programming from BBC Worldwide including Married Single Other, Waking the Dead and Survivors.

Piotr Derewenda, TVP's producer and editor, said:

"We are very pleased to enter into this new co-production partnership with such a prestigious company as BBC Worldwide. Furst's thrilling story creates a unique opportunity for us to chart Poland's fascinating history from a more European perspective and provides the perfect backdrop for the thrilling tale of great love, friendship and betrayal.

"We are also delighted that Coky Giedroyc, the director of such popular series like Sherlock and The Virgin Queen, will be joining the production. With her extraordinary talent and the potential for some outstanding actors, we believe Spies of Warsaw will be a big hit with international audiences."

Ben Donald, Executive Producer for International Drama at BBC Worldwide, said:

"Fresh Pictures' first drama, Spies in Warsaw, is a captivating adaptation of the best-selling spy novels. The story takes place in Poland, France and Italy which lends itself perfectly to international co-productions such as this latest deal with TVP.

"The adaptation also offers excellent casting opportunities for talent from around the world as the story spans various countries across Europe. I am also delighted that we are able to bring this production to Poland where there is not only an excellent infrastructure in place and production expertise but also a strong tradition of film-making."

Richard Fell, Head of Drama at Fresh Pictures said:

'Working with BBCWW and TVP on 'Spies of Warsaw', has given us the opportunity to shoot Dick & Ian's wonderful script in Poland. It is a remarkable and beautiful country, and incredibly exciting to work in the range of authentic and rarely seen locations.'

Spies of Warsaw is arguably Furst's most well-known novel. Spanning the decade from 1933 to 1943, Furst's stories are portraits of subjugated peoples who try to resist the suffocating inevitability of Hitler's regime.

The characters roam the foggy nights and steal across the rainy, cobbled streets of Prague, Berlin, Warsaw, Rome, and Paris. Furst's protagonists join the ranks of the Resistance in one way or another. They include faded nobility, b-movie filmmakers, newspapermen, ship's captains and compromised businessmen as well as waiters, shopkeepers, jaded intellectuals, tarnished grand dames, and boozy British secret agents. Together they march in the underground army that seeks to fight back against the Nazi occupiers.

Coky Giedroyc, whose previous credits include Sherlock and The Hour, will direct the new production.

Spies of Warsaw is a Fresh Pictures production, executive produced by Richard Fell for Fresh Pictures, and is the Indie's first drama commission.

The deal with TVP has been brokered by BBC Worldwide and Apple Film Production in Poland. Apple Film Production led by Dariusz Jabłoński will act as the Polish co-producer on the series for TVP.

BBC Worldwide announced the deal at its annual TV export market BBC Worldwide Showcase which is taking place this week (February 26-29) in Liverpool.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

For more information please contact: Cristina Dunn (Cristina.Dunn@bbc.com)

BBC Worldwide Showcase:

BBC Worldwide sells programmes on behalf of the BBC and independent producers
BBC Worldwide has around 50,000 hours of programming in its catalogue
With 600 digi booths available at Showcase, the average buyer screens BBC Worldwide content for 6-8 hours a day over three days
10 premier screenings at BBC Worldwide Showcase covering drama, natural history, music, childrens, comedy, science, history, documentaries, formats and lifestyle

BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution

BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution is responsible for licensing programmes to customers around the world on behalf of the BBC and independent production companies. As the largest exporter of finished television programmes outside of the US studios, this business manages a catalogue of around 50,000 hours spanning all genres. It runs BBC Showcase, the world's biggest programme trade fair organised by a single distributor and is also responsible for developing and sourcing funding and partners for international co-productions. In 2010/11, Sales & Distribution generated gross profits of £64 million on gross sales of £260.6 million.

About BBC Worldwide

BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximise the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the licence fee payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company has five core businesses: Channels, Content & Production, Sales & Distribution, Consumer Products and Brands, Consumers & New Ventures, with digital ventures incorporated into each business area. In 2010/11, BBC Worldwide generated profits of £160 million on sales of £1158 million and returned £182m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website: www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview bbcworldwide.com twitter.com/bbcwpress

29 February 2012

BBC Worldwide Australia licenses content to FetchTV

BBC Worldwide Australia has concluded another considerable content deal with FetchTV, licensing more than 1750 episodes of Natural History, Entertainment, Children's, Factual and Lifestyle content to the subscriber-based on-demand service available through Optus MeTV with fetch.

As a result of this latest deal, FetchTV will offer subscribers access to a wealth of BBC Worldwide content across a variety of package deals, including the BBC Good Food package, which contains BBC Worldwide lifestyle content and FetchTV's Entertainment, House & Home and Factual packages already on offer.

The bespoke BBC Good Food branded package sits alongside the BBC Earth and BBC Kids' offerings already available to Optus subscribers with the MeTV with fetch digital set-top box. BBC Earth is also available to subscribers to the FetchTV service offered by other ISP partners.

"This new deal with FetchTV reflects not only the value of a crafted package offering to the digital marketplace but the ability of content providers and on-demand platforms to work together to give the consumer what they want, when they want it", said Louisa Bayles, Head of Digital Sales, BBC Worldwide Australia.

Scott Lorson, CEO, Fetch TV added, "Our content range keeps on growing and with more of the best BBC content now available, viewers can enjoy some of the world's best entertainment, natural history, food and lifestyle shows. BBC Worldwide has an established history of providing quality programs and we're delighted to present more of their content."

FetchTV currently offers a huge choice of content including free-to-air TV, drama, documentaries, movies, comedy, news, music and social media applications, giving subscribers the ability to record and pause live TV, using a broadband connection and set top box which does not impact download quotas.

This deal has been finalised ahead of Showcase 2012, which will offer a dedicated digital conference day on Wednesday 29th February. Seminars, panels and speeches will run throughout the day addressing areas such as IPTV and connected televisions, trends in over-the-top services and discussions around standardisation in digital formats and delivery.

For more information, please contact: Fiona Bickerstaff, Communication Executive at BBC Worldwide Australia at email: fiona.bickerstaff@bbc.com or on +61 2 9744 4507

About BBC Worldwide

BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximise the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the licence fee payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company has five core businesses: Channels, Content & Production, Sales & Distribution, Consumer Products, Brands, Consumers & New Ventures, with digital ventures incorporated into each business area. In 2010/11, BBC Worldwide generated profits of £160 million on sales of £1158 million and returned £182m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website: www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

About BBC Worldwide Australia

Australia is a priority territory for BBC Worldwide, focusing on growth across all five of its core businesses. Based in Macquarie Park, Sydney, the company's addressable market share has trebled in three years. BBC Worldwide Australia wholly owns five channels; UKTV, BBC Knowledge and CBeebies in Australia; UKTV NZ and BBC Knowledge NZ in New Zealand; and is responsible for the sales, promotion and distribution of World News which transmits in both countries. It distributes great British content from the BBC and other producers to all free-to-air and most subscription channels in Australia and New Zealand. BBC Worldwide Australia is a stakeholder in Australian production company Freehand and has a joint venture company with ACP, Park Publishing, which publishes BBC-branded magazines in the territory. It works with partners to bring BBC Worldwide DVDs, digital apps, innovative products and live events to the local market, as well as offering advertising opportunities for the BBC's world renowned bbc.com news site and lonelyplanet.com. BBC Worldwide Australia has recently launched the global BBC iPlayer in Australia.

bbcworldwide.com
twitter.com/bbcwpress

About FetchTV

FetchTV is an Australian founded and owned business, with backing from the Malaysian based ASTRO ALL ASIA NETWORKS subscription TV group.

FetchTV is a wholesale subscription TV provider to leading Australian ISPs. The FetchTV service is unique in that it provides access to digital free-to-air channels, subscription channels, video on-demand and interactive content via an unmetered[1] broadband connection. Content is delivered to the TV in SD and HD quality, instantly with no downloading delays.

FetchTV Australia has no association with FetchTV UK.

[1] All linear and on demand content is provided unmetered. However, some ISPs may choose to apply metering to selected interactive applications.

29 February 2012

Britain's top TV detectives out in force at BBC Worldwide Showcase: Liverpool 2012

BBC Worldwide has licensed a raft of crime dramas to Japanese broadcasters AXN Mystery and WOWOW, as it celebrates the best of British crime drama during a talent-packed night at BBC Worldwide Showcase. The titles licensed are DCI Banks Series 1, Wallander Series 3 and Whitechapel Series 3 to WOWOW, and Death in Paradise, Silk Series 2 and Mad Dogs Series 2 to AXN Mystery.

Brand new sales of crime drama by BBC Worldwide are: Inside Men to Australia (UKTV); Death in Paradise to Kazakhstan (Astana TV), Belgium (VRT) and Lithuania (Lietuvos ryto); and Sherlock Series 2 and Scott & Bailey Series 2 to Danmarks Radio, home of The Killing.

Several of the UK's top TV sleuths were in attendance as BBC Worldwide highlighted some of its top crime dramas to international buyers. Stars including Emilia Fox (Silent Witness), Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks), Una Stubbs (Sherlock), Sharon Small, Nathaniel Parker (Inspector Lynley) and Phil Davis (Whitechapel) spoke to buyers about their latest cases, and there was a criminal mastermind in their midst in the form of Andrew Scott, A.K.A Sherlock's Moriarty.

"Crime drama captures the imagination of TV audiences all around the world, and is a perennial best seller for BBC Worldwide," said Caroline Torrance, Director of Investment, Content Acquisitions, BBC Worldwide. She added, "Silent Witness, Waking the Dead and Sherlock have all been sold to over 200 territories, and Inspector Lynley, Whitechapel and New Tricks to over 190, so I think it's fair to say the UK does crime drama as well as anyone."

Stephen Tompkinson, star of DCI Banks which has sold to over 125 territories, commented, "It's great to see that gruesome murders on screen have become one of our most successful British exports, I just hope we're not putting off any potential tourists."

And Emilia Fox was struck by the impression Silent Witness has made abroad: "I'm delighted to hear that my character Dr Nikki Alexander is popular with audiences around the world. A popular pathologist! I'm glad it's convincing because in real life I faint at the sight of the smallest bit of blood!"

For more information, please contact:

Ben Nolan

Communications Officer, Content & Production / Sales & Distribution, BBC Worldwide

Tel: +44 (0)20 8433 3862

Email: ben.nolan@bbc.com

Twitter: @BenNolan78

NOTES TO EDITORS

BBC Worldwide Showcase 2012 Crime Drama titles

DCI Banks S1 (3 x 90' or 6 x 45' HD) A Left Bank Pictures production for ITV1

Wallander S3 (3 x 90') A Left Bank Pictures/Yellow Bird/TKBC series for the BBC co-produced with Degeto, WGBH Boston, Film i Skane, the Riga Film Fund and TV4

Whitechapel S3 (6 x 50' HD) A Carnival Films production for ITV

Death in Paradise (8 x 50' HD) Red Planet Pictures and Atlantique Productions in association with BBC Worldwide and Kudos Film and TV for BBC and France Télévisions, produced with support from the region of Guadeloupe

Silk S2 (6 x 50' HD) A BBC production

Mad Dogs S2 (4 x 45' HD) A Left Bank Pictures production for Sky

Inside Men (4 x 50' HD) A BBC production

Sherlock S2 (3 x 90' HD) A Hartswood Films production for BBC Wales co-produced with MASTERPIECE

Scott & Bailey S2 (8 x 50' HD) A Red production for ITV

Silent Witness S15 (12 x 50' HD) A BBC production

BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution

BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution is responsible for licensing programmes to customers around the world on behalf of the BBC and independent production companies. As the largest exporter of finished television programmes outside of the US studios, this business manages a catalogue of around 50,000 hours spanning all genres. It runs BBC Showcase, the world's biggest programme trade fair organised by a single distributor and is also responsible for developing and sourcing funding and partners for international co-productions. In 2010/11, Sales & Distribution generated gross profits of £64 million on gross sales of £260.6 million.

BBC Worldwide

BBC Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximise the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the licence fee payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights. The company has six core businesses: Channels, Content & Production, Sales & Distribution, Consumer Products, Brands, Consumers & New Ventures and Magazines, with digital ventures incorporated into each business area. In 2010/11, BBC Worldwide generated profits of £160 million on sales of £1158 million and returned £182m to the BBC. For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review website: www.bbcworldwide.com/annualreview

bbcworldwide.com
twitter.com/bbcwpress

27 February 2012

Epic adventure series Sinbad sails to Canada and France

27^th February 2012: BBC Worldwide has secured presales of its high-octane adventure series Sinbad to broadcasters SPACE in Canada and Canal+ in France, with a second window already confirmed with NRJ12.

Sinbad, a new production from the Emmy and BAFTA winning Impossible Productions, promises a 21^st century take on the classic 8^th century iconic hero. It is one of BBC Worldwide's lead titles at its annual TV export market BBC Worldwide Showcase, taking place this week in Liverpool, and will be launching to more than 640 international buyers on Monday.

"We're thrilled about this captivating new addition to our upcoming fall schedule - one more terrific series from our partners at BBC Worldwide," said Catherine MacLeod, Vice-President, Specialty Channels, Bell Media. "Expected to be on par with other sensations like Doctor Who, Torchwood and Merlin on SPACE, this new series offers more magic to enchant all viewers."

Premium pay TV channel Canal+ in France has picked up the first window rights in the territory while digital terrestrial channel NRJ 12 has already clinched the second window.

Julien Figue, Head of Acquisitions for NRJ 12, said:

"NRJ 12 has chosen the new show Sinbad to consolidate its strong prime time fantasy-drama slot, which already includes other great BBC Worldwide shows such as Primeval (another Impossible Pictures production) and the BBC's Torchwood. Filmed in HD, with experienced executive producers and writers, the series will fit perfectly with NRJ 12's editorial policy of high-octane dramas, set in an unique imaginary universe."

David Bessières, Acquisitions Executive at the Foreign Fiction Department, Canal+ said:

"Sinbad is one of the most famous heroes of the Arabian Nights. He is an adventurous, witty and cunning who lives in a fantastical world of legends and magic.

"Canal+ has picked up this ambitious and thrilling series because of its innovative adaptation and fantastic plot which will fit perfectly with our audience's expectations; the mix between adventure and special effects we hope will appeal to all the family."

Leading the cast of this fantastical adventure as Sinbad is newcomer Elliot Knight who is joined by a host of well-known faces, including Naveen Andrews as Sinbad's nemesis, Lord Akbari, as well as appearances by Sophie Okonedo and Timothy Spall.

Sarah Doole, Creative Director and Head of Indie Drama - Content & Production at BBC Worldwide, said:

"Sinbad is a highly ambitious and exciting drama. The series combines thrilling storytelling, nail biting action sequences and captivating performances so I am not surprised that it has drawn interest from broadcasters all over the world.

"We are launching the title tonight to more than 640 international buyers at BBC Worldwide Showcase with the stars of the show and producers here to make this an unmissable event in the Showcase calendar."

Channel Nine Australia announced last year that they had picked up the series.

Sinbad is an Impossible Pictures production for Sky and BBC Worldwide produced with the assistance of Nine Network Australia. BBC Worldwide hold the international distribution rights. The series is produced by Tim Haines, Sophie Gardiner and Andrew Woodhead for Impossible Pictures and Elwen Rowlands for Sky. Sinbad will receive its world premiere on Sky 1 HD in July.

BBC Worldwide Showcase takes place in Liverpool between February 26^th and 29^th.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

For more information please contact: Cristina Dunn (Cristina.Dunn@bbc.com)

BBC Worldwide Showcase:

BBC Worldwide sells programmes on behalf of the BBC and independent producers
BBC Worldwide has around 50,000 hours of programming in its catalogue
With 600 digi booths available at Showcase, the average buyer screens BBC Worldwide content for 6-8 hours a day over three days
10 premier screenings at BBC Worldwide Showcase covering drama, natural history, music, childrens, comedy, science, history, documentaries, formats and lifestyle

BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution

BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution is responsible for licensing programmes to customers around the world on behalf of the BBC and independent production companies. As the largest exporter of finished television programmes outside of the US studios, this business manages a catalogue of around 50,000 hours spanning all genres. It runs BBC Showcase, the world's biggest programme trade fair organised by a single distributor and is also responsible for developing and sourcing funding and partners for international co-productions. In 2010/11, Sales & Distribution generated gross profits of £64 million on gross sales of £260.6 million.

About BBC Worldwide

14 February 2012

Biggest ever BBC Worldwide Showcase as over 640 TV buyers head to Liverpool

Click to Tweet: .@BBCWpress - BBC Worldwide Showcase to be bigger than ever with over 640 TV buyers due to attend http://bit.ly/y9rGdl #bbcwshowcase

14th February 2012: BBC Worldwide Showcase, the world's largest international television market hosted by a single distributor, will open its doors to more than 640 international TV buyers and top acting talent at its new home in Liverpool from 26 - 29 February.

Sir Tom Stoppard, Hugh Bonneville, Emilia Fox, Ruth Jones, Jessica Hynes and Michael Palin are just some of the names that will walk the red carpet at BBC Worldwide Showcase. They will be joined by cast from high profile shows such as Inside Men, Sherlock, Fades, Inspector Lynley, Bedlam, DCI Banks and presenters Steve Backshall and Jimmy Docherty amongst many others.

"We've had a phenomenal response to our first Showcase in Liverpool," said Steve Macallister, President & Managing Director, Sales & Distribution, BBC Worldwide. "With a significant increase in delegates from America and Asia and many digital clients attending for the first time including Hulu, Netflix, Yota, Onet, CME and FetchTV Australia we have exceeded our expectations and look forward to welcoming a record breaking number of delegates to this iconic city."

Macallister added "We've doubled the amount of content available to screen at Showcase this year with over 2800 hours of outstanding shows. We're proud to host this flagship event for British TV exports and bring together such an impressive delegation of international buyers."

BBC Worldwide is the largest distributor of TV programming outside of the US. Showcase, in its 36^th year, sees the BBC's commercial arm generate programme sales on behalf of the BBC and independent producers providing a major boost to television exports and accounting for around 20% of BBC Worldwide's annual programme sales.

The event, held at Liverpool's BT Convention Centre, encompasses exclusive content premieres for 10 genre areas including drama; science and natural history; lifestyle; music and children's with sales teams and top producers pitching direct to clients. New programmes such as Parade's End, Attenborough's Life Stories, Brazil with Michael Palin and Sinbad will be unveiled as buyers seek out the next international hit. Special evening launches highlighting key titles and co-production forums that help generate investment into ambitious British productions are all part of the event.

For the first time at Showcase buyers are invited to attend a bespoke conference dedicated to digital (29^th February) featuring speakers such as Ted Sorandos (Chief Content Officer of Netflix), Somrat Niyogi (Miso Chief Executive), Christoph Bellmer (MD, Maxdome Germany), Adrian Letts (Co-Founder, Blinkbox, UK), Mike Walsh (CEO of consumer innovation research agency Tomorrow) and Scott Lorson (CEO, FetchTV Australia). Seminars, panels and speeches will run throughout the day addressing areas such as IPTV and connected televisions, trends in over-the-top services and discussions around standardisation in digital formats and delivery.

Notes to editor:

BBC Worldwide sells programmes on behalf of the BBC and independent producers
BBC Worldwide has around 50,000 hours of programming in its catalogue
With 600 digi booths available at Showcase, the average buyer screens BBC Worldwide content for 6-8 hours a day over three days
10 premier screenings at BBC Worldwide Showcase covering drama, natural history, music, childrens, comedy, science, history, documentaries, formats and lifestyle

Key titles at BBC Worldwide Showcase 2012:

Drama:

Sinbad 12 x 50' HD

A thrilling, modern, magical reinvention of the famous legend from the Arabian Nights by the makers of Primeval.

British Sky Broadcasting in association with BBC Worldwide present An Impossible Pictures Production

Parade's End 5 x 60', 6 x 44' or 3 x 90'

Acclaimed screenwriter Sir Tom Stoppard and director Susanna White bring Ford Madox Ford's remarkable story of love and betrayal in Edwardian England to life in this landmark production starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall.

A Mammoth Screen production for the BBC in association with HBO Miniseries, Trademark Films, BBC Worldwide, Lookout Point and Arte co-produced with BNP Paribas Fortis Film Fund and Anchorage Entertainment. Filmed with the support of the Belgian federal government's Tax Shelter scheme

Mad Dogs S2 4 x 45' HD

The explosive sequel to the acclaimed, sun-drenched thriller sees the lads stumble into even more dangerous territory.

A Left Bank Pictures production for Sky

Upstairs Downstairs S2 6 x 50' HD

Set in the year preceding World War Two, 165 Eaton Place reopens its doors and welcomes viewers back into the enthralling lives of its inhabitants, both upstairs and down.

A BBC/Masterpiece coproduction

Wallander S3 3 x 90'

The award-winning drama starring Kenneth Branagh returns for a third series with three thrilling investigations set in Sweden and Latvia.

A Left Bank Pictures/Yellow Bird/TKBC series for the BBC co-produced with Degeto, WGBH Boston, Film i Skane, the Riga Film Fund and TV4

Whitechapel S3 6 x 50' HD

Rupert Penry-Jones returns as DI Chandler in three atmospheric and brooding stories set in London's East End.

A Carnival Films production for ITV

Scott & Bailey S2 8 x 50' HD

Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp return in Sally Wainwright's investigative drama exploring the personal and professional lives of two female detectives.

A Red production for ITV

Silk S2 6 x 50' HD

Maxine Peake and Rupert Penry-Jones return in Peter Moffat's legal drama about the lives, loves and hard cases facing a group of top end barristers.

A BBC production

Call the Midwife 6 x 50' HD

A moving, intimate, funny and, above all, true-to-lifelook at the colourful stories of midwifery and families in East London in the Fifties, based on the best-selling memoirs of the late Jennifer Worth.

A Neal Street production for BBC

Inside Men 4 x 50' HD

A thrilling four-part drama about three employees of a security depot who plan and execute a multimillion pound cash heist.

A BBC production

One Night 4 x 50' HD

Ted, Rochelle, Carol and Alfie - four lives linked together on one night by fate as one seemingly trivial argument spirals them all towards tragedy.

A BBC Production

Sherlock S2 3 x 90' HD

The multi award-winning super series is back as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson return to face the ultimate test in three of their most famous cases.

A Hartswood Films production for BBC Wales co-produced with MASTERPIECE

Comedy:

Starlings 8 x 45' HD

Candid, funny and very sweet, Starlings will warm your heart with familiar family eccentricities following the daily lives of this down to earth, working class brood.

A Baby Cow Production for Sky

Twenty Twelve S1 - 6 x 30' HD

Hugh Bonneville, Jessica Hynes, Olivia Colman and Amelia Bullmore star in this six-part comedy drama about the people paddling hard beneath the water to make the Olympics happen in London in 2012.

A BBC production

Absolutely Fabulous 20^th Anniversary Specials 3 x 30' HD

The outrageous, but undeniably fabulous, ladies are back in the limelight for three brand new specials marking 20 years since they first took the world by storm.

A Saunders and French production for BBC, co-produced with BBC America and Logo

Childrens:

Andy's Wild Adventures 40 x 15'

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have afternoon tea with a baboon or slide on your tummy with penguins? Charismatic CBeebies presenter Andy Day takes young audiences on an incredible journey into the natural world.

A BBC Natural History Unit production for CBeebies and BBC Worldwide

History:

History of the World 8 x 50'

Bringing 70,000 years of human history to life, this epic series travels through time to the big stories of history. It is a human story populated with big characters in the places where the big events really happened.

A BBC/Discovery Channel Co-Production

The Great British Story 7x50'

Gripping drama reconstruction, the latest CGI, stunning cinematography, aerial footage and comments from international known British figures offer a fresh take on how Britain took shape.

A Nutopia production for Sky Atlantic

Natural History:

Attenborough's Life Stories 3 x 50'

In this unique and important series Attenborough delivers his testimony in a trio of spectacular films, focusing on three areas which have transformed most profoundly over his career: film making, science and the environment.

A Co-Production Of BBC And Thirteen In Association With WNet New York Public Media

The Dark 3 x 50'

Braving the jungles and swamps of South America during the night, the team sheds light on previously unobserved creatures and strange behaviours, offering a totally new perspective on our wild planet.

A BBC/Discovery Channel/Terra Mater Co-Production

Science:

Planet Dinosaur 3D 1 x 50'

Transporting viewers to locations across the globe and back in time through hundreds of millions of years, Planet Dinosaur 3D brings to life the most awesome and amazing creatures that ever lived, rendered in visually stunning 3D technology.

A BBC/Discovery Channel/Zdf/Canal+ Co-Production

Lifestyle:

Top Gear Series 18 - 7 x 50' (Series 1 -18 plus Specials available)

In series 18 of the world's most extreme car show, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May drive supercars across Italy, make a movie car chase, re-invent the mobility scooter, get soaking wet in track day cars and pay tribute to Saab.

A BBC production

Top Gear USA S1-2

Produced by BBC Worldwide Productions for BBC Worldwide and HISTORY

Top Gear Australia S1-4

A Freehand production for the Nine Network; based on an original format produced by BBC

World's Toughest Truckers 8 x 45' HD

Eight road-hardened truckers from around the world go wheel-to-wheel on eight of the planet's most treacherous truck journeys to discover who's all talk - and who's the toughest trucker of them all!

A Dragonfly Film & Television Productions Ltd and GroupM Entertainment production for Channel 5 and Discovery Channel

Documentaries:

Brazil with Michael Palin 4 x 55' HD

In this programme Michael Palin visits Brazil for the very first time, travelling from the lost world of Amazonia to the buzzing metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, to meet the people and visit the places that shape this nation.

A Prominent Television Production for BBC

Music:

Beyoncé: Live at Roseland 1 x 85' HD

From her early days with Destiny's Child to her latest album 4, Beyoncé shares her incredible journey so far… Featuring exclusive behind the scenes footage and performances of hits including Independent Women, Survivor and Single Ladies.

Produced By Columbia/Epic Pictures

For more information, please contact:

Lee Leschasin
Communications Manager, BBC Worldwide Content & Production, Sales & Distribution
T: + 44 (0) 2084331324

Lee.leschasin@bbc.com

BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution

BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution is responsible for licensing programmes to customers around the world on behalf of the BBC and independent production companies. As the largest exporter of finished television programmes outside of the US studios, this business manages a catalogue of around 50,000 hours spanning all genres. It runs BBC Showcase, the world's biggest programme trade fair organised by a single distributor and is also responsible for developing and sourcing funding and partners for international co-productions. In 2010/11, Sales & Distribution generated gross profits of £64 million on gross sales of £260.6 million.

About BBC Worldwide

bbcworldwide.com
twitter.com/bbcwpress

17th November 2011

Flagship event hosts dedicated digital day at new Liverpool home

BBC Worldwide's four-day TV export market, BBC Worldwide Showcase, will for the first time incorporate a dedicated digital day as it adapts to the evolution of the media industry, with speakers from Netflix and Miso in February 2012.

Netflix Chief Content Officer, Ted Sarandos is confirmed as a keynote speaker. Ted has helped Netflix become one of the industry's most talked about and watched companies, with over 20 million streaming subscribers in 47 countries who enjoy instantly watching thousands of TV shows and movies at the click of a button.

Miso CEO and co-founder Somrat Niyogi will also address delegates. Miso is an internet start up that focuses on social TV viewing. Recent studies show that tapping into digital communities during transmission is becoming an increasingly important focus for broadcasters to retain audiences.

Steve Macallister, President & Managing Director for Sales & Distribution at BBC Worldwide, said: "Showcase guests this year are in for an incredibly rich experience. A new host city, hundreds of hours of the world's finest new television, an abundance of on and off screen talent plus a whole day totally dedicated to digital exploration.

"Digital growth is a huge focus for BBC Worldwide and we've made great strides in the past year. I'm thrilled that we're able to bring some of the leading minds in this space to join us in Liverpool to share and debate their insights with an international delegation."

Seminars, panels and speeches will run throughout the day addressing areas such as IPTV and connected televisions, trends in over-the-top services and discussions around standardisation in digital formats and delivery. Other keynote speakers include Mike Walsh, author of Futuretainment and CEO of innovation research agency Tomorrow, a leading authority on the digital future.

BBC Worldwide Showcase is the largest event of its kind hosted by a single distributor. Over 500 of the world's most important TV buyers flock to the UK to watch the best programming BBC Worldwide has to offer. The four day event, to be held at the ACC in Liverpool for the first time in its 36 year history, takes place between 26 - 29 February 2012.

BBC Worldwide Showcase, a cornerstone event for British television, provides a major boost to television exports and accounts for around 20% of BBC Worldwide's annual programme sales. The event is an international platform for British talent as buyers view over 2,000 hours of TV content and attend premieres of brand new programmes.

For more information, please contact:

Alex Fulton
Head of Communications for Content & Production, Sales & Distribution
T: + 44 (0) 2084331350 email: alex.fulton@bbc.com

TOP

Showcase Liverpool 2012

BBC Worldwide Showcase 2013 Press Releases

BBC Worldwide Showcase 2012 Press Releases