ZDF inks deal with Trevor Eve’s UK indie

ZDF Enterprises has struck another first-look deal with a UK producer, this time linking up with Projector Pictures, British actor Trevor Eve’s indie.

The agreement will see ZDFE, the commercial arm of German pubcaster ZDF, invest in Projector’s development slate and have first option on international rights to all of its upcoming projects.

Waking the Dead star Eve set up Projector with Charles Haswell and Sharon Maughan. Its credits include hostage negotiator drama Kidnap and Ransom, which stars Eve and is line for a US remake, with ABC Studios and Lionsgate Television working it up for premium cabler Showtime.

Rachel Gesua, executive producer at Projector, negotiated the deal for the UK prodco. She said: “We are hugely excited to be working with ZDF Enterprises, a company with an impressive track record in distributing original, high end drama that has achieved tremendous international recognition.”

Fred Burcksen, executive VP and COO of ZDFE, added: “Projector Pictures’ approach to programming and its commitment to creating distinctive, innovative British drama for a global audience is a great fit for our company.”

It is the second recent deal between ZDFE and a UK producer, after the German company struck a first-look with drama specialist Bonafide Films, which was announced last week.