Nordisk expands finished shows biz

Scandinavian format distributor Nordisk Film TV World is expanding into the world of finished programming and has inked deals with producers in Australia and New Zealand.

Nordisk, which is known for selling formats such as Melody Challenge and Doobidoo, has inked a deal with New Zealand producer Ninox Television to sell its reality documentary series Sensing Murder internationally.

Sensing Murder, which airs on TV2 in New Zealand and Network Ten in Australia, follows alleged psychics as they turn detective to try and solve famous unsolved murder cases. The show is originally based on a Swedish format Fornemmelse av mord (Sensing the Dead).

Jan Salling, head of sales and business development at Nordisk Film TV World, told TBIvision that it was looking to boost the number of canned shows it sells. "We will expand our ready made catalogue from Australia and New Zealand. There’s less competition than in the UK and the US. We’re in close discussions with more producers," he added.

In addition, Nordisk Film TV World is selling drama series 2900 Happiness, a 48x30mins series for TV3 Denmark that is produced by Nordisk Film Productions. The novela-esque show, which is set in a rich neighbourhood and follows money and the web of love it spins, has already been sold to AB Groupe in France and is being remade in Belgium.

The Danish-based distributor is also looking to build its business in the United States and is working with US talent agency William Morris to broker network and cable deals.