Factual

BIG Media has secured a global distribution deal with ITV Studios and its digital arm Zoo 55 for three original factual series, expanding the international reach of its non-fiction catalogue. The agreement covers Behind the Move: Secrets of High Stakes Transport (6x60’), Secrets Of and The Watering Hole: Surviving South Luangwa (3x60’), with ITV Studios and Zoo 55 representing worldwide rights on behalf of BIG Media.

The package includes Behind the Move: Secrets of High Stakes Transport, a documentary series exploring the complex operations behind transporting some of the world’s most sensitive and valuable cargo. ITV Studios will handle global sales for the title, excluding Germany, where it has already been licensed to BIG Media’s co-production partner NTV.

ITV Studios has also acquired international rights to ten episodes of Secrets Of, a history and mystery series exploring the hidden stories behind iconic technologies, engineering achievements and landmarks. Global rights are available excluding France and Germany. The series is a BIG Media original produced in association with NTV, RMC Story and Wild Bear.

The third title in the agreement is The Watering Hole: Surviving South Luangwa, a three-part wildlife series from award-winning filmmaker Steve Lichtag. Shot over six years in eastern Zambia, the series explores the interconnected ecosystem surrounding an ancient oasis shaped by the Luangwa River, following the lives of hippos, wild dogs, leopards, elephants, lions, warthogs and baboons. Worldwide rights are available through ITV Studios.

“ITV Studios is an outstanding partner for these series because of its strong track record representing premium factual programming to buyers around the world. Each of these titles offers a distinctive perspective but they all share the ambition, craftsmanship, and broad audience appeal that characterize many of the most successful non-fiction series in the ITV Studios catalogue. We're excited to see these programs reach new international audiences through ITV Studios' global distribution network,” said Emma Sparks, Senior Vice President, Europe at BIG Media.

"At Zoo 55 and ITV Studios, we’re always looking for eye-catching programming that can resonate both with audiences of the hundreds of broadcasters and streamers we work with globally, as well as those that Zoo 55 reaches directly, every minute of every day, through our growing suite of social media and FAST channels. We’re excited to work with BIG Media again in light of their expertise in history, engineering, and wildlife and their ability to tell stories in these sought-after genres in a way that appeals to audiences however they prefer to watch. These three particular series combine compelling storytelling with strong production values and interesting, novel angles into these subject matters. We look forward to building our partnership together,” adds Julie Meldal-Johnsen, EVP Global Content, ITV Studios.