Fireworks International Announces Deal With Vuguru

Fireworks International, the television and digital distribution arm of ContentFilm and Michael Eisner's leading US-based independent studio Vuguru are partnering in a significant output deal which will see the distributor acquiring a minimum of ten multi-platform projects from the company over two years.
As part of the new two-year agreement, Fireworks International will be granted a first-look opportunity to acquire international multi-platform distribution rights, excluding US and Canada, for all Vuguru's new productions. The first project signed in the deal is the young-adult drama Pretty Tough, which is delivered as 18 five-seven minute episodes and as a 90-minute feature, launching at MIPCOM 2010.
Based on the popular novel by Liz Tigelaar (Dawson's Creek, Brothers & Sisters, Life Unexpected) and set in the picturesque world of Malibu, California, Pretty Tough centres on two teenage sisters at opposite ends of the popularity spectrum, whose tumultuous relationship faces the ultimate test when they are forced to compete together on the soccer field at their privileged high school.
Jonathan Ford, Executive Vice-President of Digital Acquisitions and Distribution at Fireworks International, said: "Partnering with Vuguru, a company which pioneers the development of content for delivery across global broadcast, internet, mobile and portable device platforms, will give us fantastic access to the latest and most sought after properties in the digital arena. This is a landmark collaboration for Fireworks International and a fantastic example of our ongoing strategy to be the premier destination for multi-platform properties in the international market."
Larry Tanz, President of Vuguru, said: "Fireworks International is a global market leader in distributing innovative content suitable for mulit-platform delivery. Fireworks' financial commitment demonstrates the appetite that exists among distributors for premium content. We are very pleased to cement our strong relationship with this exciting new deal and look forward to seeing Vuguru properties available to audiences on all platforms throughout the world."
The deal follows Fireworks International and Vuguru's recent collaboration on international distribution of the highly-anticipated multi-platform psychological thriller The Booth at the End. The 62-part series, created by writer Christopher Kubasik and helmed by veteran television director Jessica Landlaw, stars Xander Berkeley (Nikita, 24, CSI, Kick-Ass, Terminator 2: Judgement Day) as a mysterious character who sits in the back of a diner, granting wishes to visitors as long as they, in turn, perform tasks for him.
(KMcA)