Beyond targets UK content acquisitions

The new acquisitions boss at Beyond Distribution says the distributor wants more content from the UK to take to market, and also wants to add programming in new genres to the catalogue.

Caitlin Meek-O’Connor became head of acquisitions at Beyond earlier this year, replacing the long-serving Yvonne Body following her retirement.

Beyond was in Cannes last week with a slate of new shows including Hockey Wives: Married to the Game out of Canada, Pati’s Mexican Table, Game of Homes and The Truth About Female Desire, all out of the US or Canada.

Moving forward, a key priority is picking up more from the UK, where Beyond has a full-scale office.

“We get a lot out of North America, but the challenge at Beyond is getting more from the UK,” Meek-O’Connor told TBI. “We want to expand the UK business.”

Beyond sells Mythbusters, Highway Thru Hell and property series Love it or List it, the Canada-originated format has been remade for Channel 4 in the UK and launched this week. It also has kids, crime and a raft of factual programming in the catalogue.

“We’re looking for more shows like that, and in terms of diversification, one thing we want is more animal content. We have a few one-offs like Wild & Dangerous and series such as Wild but True with Robert Irwin, but want more.”

Meek O’Connor added: “We also want more history and I’d love to get some ancient history shows.”