DRG seeks copro partners as drama pact renews

UK-based distributor DRG is looking for coproduction partners on a range of new drama projects after it renewed its first-look deal with scripted producer Three Rivers Fiction.

DRG first joined forces with Three Rivers in March 2015 as it began striking a series of representation agreements with indies.

It has this week re-upped with the firm, which is a two-year old indie that former Impossible Pictures bosses Jonathan Drake and Steve Maher launched.

Three Rivers has around 20 projects in active development, and is currently working up a pilot script for Ticket to Murder, to which DRG has directly added development funding. Screenwriter Colin Bateman (Murphy’s Law) is adapting the book.

Ticket to Murder comes from early 20^th century crime writer John Bude, whose 15-book estate of novels has been acquired by Three Rivers.

Also in development is a “dark re-imaginging” of the Robin Hood story set in 12^th century England. Justin Pollard (Vikings) is the creator, with Alan Whiting (Strike Back), Mark Skeet and Matthew Faulk (Titanic: Blood and Steel) attached to write.

Three Rivers is also working up a “grounded sci-fi series”, created and written by Trauma’s Richard Smith. It will explore “how an isolated community is torn apart by secrets and lies following the crash landing of a UFO”.

DRG said it was “garnering coproduction interest” in the titles, while Three Rivers is talking to UK broadcasters, and “expects to be in production on at least two of these series in 2017”.

“The Three River Fiction team has used its considerable skill and experience to develop an ambitious and exciting slate of dramas,” said Noel Hedges, executive VP content and acquisitions at DRG.

“These fantastic stories, and their vision for them on the screen, have secured both incredible writing talent and early funding; we now believe that these titles will secure co-production partners and go on to do very well on the international stage.”