News round-up: All3 takes ‘Total Control’ from Keshet; India’s Lionsgate Play strikes BBCS first; Cineflix partners with Hayley Orrantia

Total Control

All3 strikes Blackfella Films deal

All3Media International has struck a new deal with Australian producer Blackfella Films that will see it managing worldwide sales of political thriller Total Control.

The show, which was ordered by the ABC in Australia, was co-created by and stars Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under) and is in development on its second season, with plans to shoot early in 2021.

It will continue the story of a charismatic and contradictory Indigenous woman catapulted into government as part of a cynical power play.

Keshet International will retain tape and format rights to the first season in North America.

Maartje Horchner, EVP of content at All3Media International, said: “This intelligent contemporary drama plays into the timely, global issue of black and First Nation rights, as Alex’s journey to represent her Australian Indigenous community at the top level of politics becomes fraught with game play and complexity.”

Darren Dale, MD/producer at Blackfella Films, added: “We’d like to thank Keshet International on their tremendous work on setting up the show and are delighted to be able to take the series forward and continue Alex’s story with All3Media International onboard as the international funding partner for series two.”

Les Misérables

India’s Lionsgate Play strikes BBCS first

India-based SVOD Lionsgate Play has acquired five new scripted British dramas, following its first-ever content deal with BBC Studios Distribution.

The streamer is taking the one-off Brexit: The Uncivil War, produced by House Productions, and starring Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), exploring the ‘Vote Leave’ campaign’s activities around the UK’s Brexit vote in 2016.

It has also acquired Class, an eight-episode spin-off from the long-running Doctor Who sci-fi franchise, produced by BBC Studios and following a group of school children as they battle alien invaders.

Lionsgate Play has also picked up the Lookout Point and BBC Studios adaption of Victor Hugo’s classic novel Les Misérables, as well as Drama Republic’s comedy drama Pure.

Also being acquired is SS-GB, an epic period drama produced by Sid Gentle Films and based on the novel by Len Deighton. The alternative history tale follows the work of a British detective in a 1940s UK where the Germans have won the Battle of Britain.

Stanley Fernandes, VP for distribution (South Asia), BBC Studios, commented: “These programmes represent the cutting-edge of both BBC and British storytelling as a whole, and we’re really excited to bring even more choice to the discerning Indian viewer, through this deal with Lionsgate.”

Hayley Orrantia

Cineflix partners with ‘Goldbergs’ star for reality renovation show

Cineflix Productions has partnered with US actor and musician Hayley Orrantia (The Goldbergs) and her Snot Panda Productions to produce a new home renovation series with the working title Legacy Builds.

The reality series follows Orrantia as she takes charge of her family’s century-old Nashville-based home construction business as they navigate family dynamics, their clients’ real estate dreams, and on-site surprises to renovate spectacular homes.

“Legacy Builds brings together one of TV’s best-loved daughters, a thriving family business, and one of the hottest real estate markets in the US,” said J.C. Mills, president and commercial director, Cineflix Productions. “It’s a family affair, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

A Wild Year On Earth

BBC America acquires wildlife series

BBC America has acquired Northern Pictures’ six-part blue chip factual series A Wild Year On Earth, following a deal with Canada’s Blue Ant International.

The series was originally commissioned by Love Nature and is due to premiere in early 2021. It is narrated by Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael and illustrates the deep connection between wildlife and the natural environment.

Karina Holden is the show’s executive producer and Daniella Ortega serves as series producer.

“BBC America is the perfect home for this stunning, blue-chip natural history series,” says Ludo Dufour, SVP, international co-productions and sales, Blue Ant International. “The episodes provide multi-faceted viewpoints on wildlife and nature at a time when audiences are more engaged than ever with the future of our natural world.”