Independent UK producer Red Planet Pictures has struck a development deal with BBC Worldwide that will see the commercial arm of the BBC provide investment, co-production expertise and global market support in return for the first-look on Red Planet’s new content.
Red Planet Pictures has produced popular UK content including three series of the hit Death in Paradise (pictured) for BBC One, with a fourth currently in production, critically acclaimed drama The Nativity and series By Any Means, both also for BBC One.
Announcing Red Planet Pictures’ new deal, Tony Jordan, writer and MD of the indie, said: “Red Planet Pictures has become synonymous with producing ratings-winning, ambitious and bold drama content and our deal with BBC Worldwide will help us develop our content with real global ambition.”
Alex Jones, Red Planet’s head of production and business added: “We have really taken our time in deciding who to partner with on this important stage in the company’s development. BBC Worldwide offered the best opportunities for the company in meeting Red Planet’s very clear ambitions and needs.”
Helen Jackson, BBC Worldwide’s chief content officer, commented: “Red Planet Pictures and BBC Worldwide have a successful history of working together and this deal will strengthen our relationship further. Tony is one of Britain’s most esteemed TV writers and we’re looking forward to working with him and the team at Red Planet Pictures to further develop world class drama.”
The BBC are up for two TVBAwards at TVBEurope’s inaugural awards event this Thursday 23 October. The BBC has been nominated for the Beyond HD Achievement in Image Capture, for its work on One Planet, while BBC/BBC World Service is up for the Marketing Award for its Doctor Who: Save the Day campaign. The event at the Hilton London Wembley will celebrate excellence in the broadcast industry, with categories covering Capture, Workflow and Delivery, as well as four Special Awards in Marketing, Sustainability, Outstanding Broadcast and Lifetime Achievement. There is still time to get your tickets, via the TVBAwards website.
