Digital Rights Group Launches In North America

Leading independent distributor Digital Rights Group (DRG) has announced its expansion into North America, with the launch of Digital Rights Group America.
The company will be headed by media veteran, Lee deBoer, who has been appointed as Chairman of the new venture.
Reporting to Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Fox based in London, deBoer's remit is to grow the presence of DRG in the region, collaborating with producers and broadcasters to develop and acquire new programming for distribution by the Group and its constituent companies which includes C4i, Portman Film & Television, iD Distribution, Zeal Entertainment, Click TV and i-Rights.
The new company also aims to expand the service it already offers producers based in the UK and worldwide who are keen to make headway into the often hard to crack America market.
The launch of DRG America continues the Group strategy to become one of the leading independent distributors of content in the rapidly evolving, multiplatform world, constantly seeking the maximum value of client content by offering innovative production financing, content distribution and rights exploitation.
deBoer's career has seen a unique focus on developing new products and brands. As one of the principal architects of the expansion and growth of Time-Warner's Home Box Office, deBoer was responsible for the development and launch of brands such as Cinemax, The Comedy Channel/Comedy Central and HBO Multiplex. He also managed key operational areas including scheduling, on-air promotion, research, new media, HBO Enterprises and HBO International.
He was Executive Vice President, HBO; President, HBO International and also President of Time-Warner International Broadcasting, before establishing the multi-media consultancy Media Futures. Later, deBoer was recruited to be CEO of New Century Network, the venture established by the nine largest newspaper companies to build a national network on the internet and has also served as CEO of Automatic Media, an internet media and software company. He is a founding partner in the NY-based Propeller Partners and advisory and investment firm focusing on developing media assets and was a founder and Chairman of Life Balance Media.
DRG has already successfully acquired American shows such as the critically acclaimed comedy sketch show 'State of the Union', starring Tracey Ullman and produced by Allan McKeown Presents Inc, which was earlier this year recommissioned for a second series by US network Showtime and 'Singing Bee', a format distributed by Zeal Entertainment and co-produced by American production companies the Gurin Company and Juma Entertainment. Both shows have had great success internationally.
Jeremy Fox further commented: "We are very pleased to have someone of Lee's calibre onboard. His experience and expertise is a real asset to the Digital Rights Group and marks the beginning of the Group strategy of becoming a place where we're not only providing hugely appealing programming for a global audience but also extending the service that we offer producers that we work with now and in the future."
Lee deBoer added: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the Digital Rights Group as it expands into the US.
"The Group is already highly regarded amongst the international community and the resources and expertise it brings are sure to create an impact with producers and broadcasters in the region.
" look forward to working with everyone at DRG in identifying and distributing the international hit programmes of the future."
(KMcA)