BBCWW strikes Red Planet deal

BBC Worldwide has inked a development deal with Death in Paradise producer Red Planet Pictures.

Worldwide, the commercial arm of the UK pubcaster the BBC, will provide development funding and marketing and support in return for an exclusive first-look at all Red Planet projects.

“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,” comoany MD, Tony Jordan said.

Red Planet’s credits include detective series Death in Paradise (pictured), which is distributed by Worldwide.

It is currently making WWI drama The Passing Bells for BBC One in the UK as well as Legion, the upcoming ten-parter about a criminologist who makes a deal with the devil, which is UK digital channel operator UKTV’s first original drama commission.

Red Planet is also making Motown-inspired musical drama Stop! In The Name of Love and Dickensian, a studio drama that will bring together iconic characters from Charles Dickens’ most famous works, for the BBC.

Alex Jones, Red Planet’s head of production & business said: “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, added: “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”