News round-up: eOne to shop ‘Paper Dolls’; Vice strikes Andrew Tate doc deals; New sales for ‘The Congregation’

Paper Dolls

eOne to shop ‘Paper Dolls’

Entertainment One (eOne) has acquired international distribution rights (outside Australia) to Paper Dolls, a new drama series produced by Helium Pictures for Network 10 Australia.

The series, currently in production in Sydney, follows five aspiring singers who are thrust into the spotlight in pursuit of pop-stardom and fame.

The ensemble cast includes Emalia, Naomi Sequeira, Miah Madden, Courtney Clarke, and Courtney Monsma as the five band members.

“Paper Dolls reaches deep into the drama inherent to this area of the music business: immense highs, hopes and dreams, but also manipulation and significant psychological and physical pressure. We are so excited to bring the show to international audiences,” said Noel Hedges, EVP of acquisitions, eOne.

The Dangerous Rise of Andrew Tate

Vice strikes Andrew Tate doc deals

UK pubcaster the BBC has acquired The Dangerous Rise of Andrew Tate, following a deal with Vice Distribution.

The 1 x 60-minute documentary, which is currently available on iPlayer and will premiere on BBC3 on 21 February, gives voice to women who were allegedly abused by Tate, and takes viewers inside Tate’s compound in Romania, where he was recently arrested.

Vice Distribution has also sold the film to free to air broadcasters NRK in Norway, SVT in Sweden, SBS in Australia and TV2 in Denmark.

Reporter Matt Shea gets an inside look at Tate’s “War Room,” and questions him on his public stances on the treatment of women which have become a central part of his public persona and business.

Bea Hegedus, executive managing director of Vice Distribution, said: “Vice is known for word-class journalism and incredible access. This is a documentary that delivers on both.” 

New sales for ‘The Congregation’

Viaplay Group is among the broadcasters to have acquired drama series The Congregation, following a deal with distributor Fifth Season.

It will come to the US, Canada and the UK with Viaplay, while the series has also sold to SBS Australia, SYN HF in Iceland, AMC Plus in Latin America, Rialto Film Channel in New Zealand, Streamz BV in Belgium and Bell Media’s Crave in Canada.

The six-epsiode drama, which has been greenlit for a second season from TV4 and C More is produced by B-Reel and helmed by director Goran Kapetanović. It is based on Jonas Bonnier’s fictionalised retelling Knutby: The Day of the Lord and stars Alba August and Aliette Opheim.