Universal Pictures UK Acquire Drama And Comedy Titles

'The Last Enemy', a visionary new political thriller starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Max Beesley and Robert Carlyle, has been acquired by Universal Pictures UK for DVD distribution, with further pre-sales to be announced shortly.
This five-part serial (1 x 90’, 4 x 60’) from Box TV, due for completion in October 2007, explores a vision of Britain that has been transformed by new Government security and identity measures to target criminals and protect citizens.
Two further Box TV productions have been acquired for worldwide audiences - the 1 x 90 minute drama 'Sweeney Todd' starring Ray Winstone as the murderous barber of Fleet Street, has been picked up by America Film for France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Latin America; TV4 for Sweden and Orient for DVD release in Japan; and VRT in Belgium and BBC America have acquired 'Bon Voyage', the 2 x 70 minute atmospheric thriller set in the deep forests of France starring Ben Miles, Rachael Blake and Fay Ripley. Also acquired by BBC America is 'The Secret Policeman’s Ball', a 1 x 75 minute HD production providing the rare opportunity to see the world’s finest comedians all under one roof at London’s Royal Albert Hall performing for Amnesty International.
The deal with TV4 Sweden also features 15 episodes of 'All New Comedy Store'. Filmed live at the legendary Comedy Store in Soho, London, the series from Open Mike Productions showcases some of the best stand-up talent on the circuit, including Jo Caulfield, who also writes for Graham Norton; Phoenix Nights’ Dave Spikey and dirty-minded Canadian Mike Wilmot.
NBDtv’s music catalogues also proved extremely popular at the market in Cannes, with a range of classical packages confirmed with TVP Poland, Axess TV Sweden and Ovation in the USA. Also negotiated were pre-sales to Rave in the US, C4 New Zealand and Premiere in Germany for 'Glastonbury 2007', a High Definition recording of the legendary June Festival, which is set to feature performances from some of the most highly respected artists from the world of rock, jazz, soul, hip-hop and world music.
Featuring a showcase of hits from the Grammy and Brit nominated and international chart-topping artist, 'P!NK: Live From Wembley Arena' (1 x 60’ or 1 x 90’) has been acquired by a range of international broadcasters from territories including France, Switzerland, New Zealand, Latin America, Australia, Ukraine and Turkey, with further deals expected to be confirmed shortly.
'David Gilmour, Live at the Royal Albert Hall' (1 x 60’ or 1 x 90’), a brand new concert filmed in High Definition featuring performances of current and classic hits from the celebrated voice and guitar of super group Pink Floyd, has been pre-sold to broadcasters from Latin America, Romania, France, Norway, USA, China, Morocco and Germany. The BBC in the UK has also acquired the programme and more deals are in negotiation.
(DS)