FME Announces Deal For Highly Successful 'Live From Abbey Road'

FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has announced a multi-year representation deal for the hugely successful Live From Abbey Road.
Following sales to 145 territories, the international hit show is now filming its second season and has confirmed that leading “one-stop shop”, FME, will handle all rights to both the forthcoming second and eventual third series.
Following in the footsteps of A-list artists featured in the first series, the second season will profile musical greats rehearsing and performing in the iconic London studios in unique Live From Abbey Road fly-on-the-wall style.
Artists confirmed to date include Grammy-nominated Herbie Hancock, The Stereophonics, James Blunt and US sensation Colbie Callait.
Further affirmation of the demand for the show has been demonstrated in a deal with the UK’s Channel 4 who will air series two on Channel 4 and More4 from June 2008. US Sundance Channel has also snapped up the second series during production stages, confident of the premium quality and audiences that this brand delivers.
Head of Music at Channel 4, Neil McCallum said: "At a time when music television is often cited as being in decline, it was great to once again, reverse the trend and in 2007 launch the first series of Live From Abbey Road onto More4 and Channel 4's screens.
"Following its critical acclaim and rave reviews, we're delighted to once again be working with the team on what looks set to be a hugely successful second series as we see some of the world's leading talent paying homage to the legendary Abbey Road Studios," he said.
Live From Abbey Road producers, Michael Gleason and Peter van Hooke said: "Channel 4, Sundance Channel and our broadcast partners around the world completely understand the 21st Century relationship between music and television. We, our artists and their record labels are honoured to provide them with the pure content which fulfils their vision."
FME CEO, David Ellender said: "We are very pleased to announce our representation of the Live From Abbey Road brand going forward. The show has already enjoyed great success, and although a tough act to follow, series two promises another outstanding line-up of world-class talent. Revealing how music made in this unique environment gives viewers a real insight into the profession, there is just nothing else like this at the moment."
(DS)