Viaplay movesStraight Forward with TVNZ copro

Banijay Group is set to create a multi-national drama coproduction named Straight Forward for Scandi streamer Viaplay and New Zealand’s TVNZ.

The 8x60mins series will be co-created by Banijay prodcos Screentime New Zealand and Mastiff Denmark and will be co-produced by broadcasters Viaplay and TVNZ, in association with Acorn Media Enterprises and Acorn TV.

Viaplay will retain all rights for the series in Scandinavia and pubcaster TVNZ will take the first window rights for New Zealand. Acorn Media Enterprises will hold rights for North America, the UK and both Australia and New Zealand for the second window.

Banijay Group’s international distribution arm, Banijay Rights, will have worldwide rights for all remaining territories.

Straight Forward sees a Danish woman attempt to leave a criminal past behind her by moving to a small New Zealand town to start a new life.

The series is produced by Philly de Lacey, Riccardo Pellizzeri, and Bridget Bourke at Screentime as well as Line Funch and Mia Marie Borup at Mastiff, Denmark. It will premiere on Viaplay in 2018.

Takis Candilis, head of scripted at Banijay (pictured), said: “This is a compelling story that delivers an enticing and unusual blend of New Zealand and Scandinavian narrative and will have wide appeal to viewers around the world.

“We are very pleased to see such like-minded partners on board at the outset and to have three Banijay Group production companies working seamlessly together to create a true international coproduction.”