Walter Presents buys Dutch, TF1 dramas

New foreign-language subscription on-demand platform Walter Presents has acquired nearly hours of programming from Dutch Features Global Entertainment.

The UK-based platform, which launches in January 2016, has acquired ten-part RTL thriller drama The Neighbours as part of the agreement. The show is due to play on More 4, which is part of Walter Presents backer Channel, and on the service.

There is also The Prey, which is based on a novel of the same name from Jeroen Smit and comes from IDTV. The three-part show follows the rise and fall of a Dutch banker and the downfall of the ABN Amro bank empire.

Also included is six-part crime thriller Bellicher Cel, which follows a man falsely accused of a hit-and-run offence.

Channel 4 and Global Series Network are co-launching Walter Presents, which will begin in the UK before expanding further internationally.

“Some of our best shows have originated in Holland,” said GSN CEO Jason Thorp (pictured). “The deal with Dutch Features is a reflection of that, with shows such as Neighbours sure to make a big impact on UK audiences, whom I believe already have a strong affinity with Dutch sensibilities.”

“Through new production incentives and coproductions, Dutch dramatic content has received International critical acclaim in the last decade and started crossing borders, through bold and imaginative storytelling and solid production value,” said Dutch Features CEO Pim Peter van Collem.

“Our exclusive association with Walter Presents is the confirmation of interest in Dutch dramatic content and a major step forward in presenting the highlights of top prime-time drama series, such as the Emmy nominated miniseries The Prey and sexy RTL Sunday night drama series The Neighbours, which captivated millions for ten consecutive nights.”

Meanwhile, Walter Presents has also bought 27 hours from France’s Film & Picture TV Distribution. This comprises Swiss drama Ten, detective thriller Match Day,  nine-part drama Queen of Hearts, detective series Lancaster.

The TF1 deal is for nearly 40 hours, and includes thriller No Limit, two seasons of Parisian crime thriller Elite Squad and two-parter Flight of the Storks.