Tuesday 26 January, 2016 – Keshet International (KI) has signed a first-look distribution and development deal with UK-based production entity, Woodcut Media. Under the agreement, KI will get exclusive access to Woodcut’s new non scripted factual crime slate for worldwide distribution, building on its emerging slate of non-scripted, English language finished programming.
“Woodcut’s expertise and track record in producing successful true crime series, which has always been a popular genre but is even more in vogue at the moment, makes their slate a brilliant addition to the KI portfolio. This deal is another step towards our ambition to grow a larger finished English language programming catalogue. Our partnering with Woodcut is testament to our aim to work with prolific UK independents,” said Sebastian Burkhardt, Head of Business Development and Acquisitions, Keshet International.
“Teaming up with Keshet is a great move for Woodcut and we are confident this will be a fruitful alliance to further deliver our crime shows to a global audience. A number of our titles in development are already being sought after by broadcasters, and the genre itself just goes from strength to strength. We very much look forward to making further announcements over the coming months,” added Kate Beal, Chief Executive Officer, Woodcut Media.
Over the years, Woodcut Media has built up a reputation as one of the leading producers of the crime genre within the UK, with documentaries such as The Krays: The Prison Years (for The Discovery Channel), as well as Broadmoor: A History of the Criminally Insane, Frankie Fraser’s Last Stand and long-running series Fred Dinenage: Murder Casebook ( all for Crime & Investigation Network). In 2015, Woodcut ramped up its crime programming activities by expanding its team and hiring Jinal Patel as Executive Producer. Patel was previously Senior Commissioning and Acquisitions Editor at A+E Networks UK (the Crime & Investigation Network fell under her remit), during which time she executive produced two of the most successful series for Crime & Investigation Network with Britain’s Darkest Taboos and Crimes that Shook Britain.
About Keshet International:
Keshet International is Keshet Media Group’s global distribution and production arm. Headed by CEO Alon Shtruzman, it includes Keshet’s local production outposts (Keshet UK, Keshet Australia, Keshet Studios in the US) as well as its global distribution arm. KI’s catalogue consists of over 70 tried and tested properties that appeal to audiences worldwide, spanning all genres. Highlights include hit drama Prisoners of War, the original Israeli version of prime time Emmy® winner Homeland; hit interactive talent show RISING STAR; International Emmy® nominated docu-reality format Dear Neighbors, Help our Daughter Find Love; talent show MASTER CLASS; cross platform format 50 Things You Have to Know; reality dating format Girlfri3nds; game show The Vault; and ‘buddy comedy’ Traffic Light, winner of an International Emmy Award.
About Woodcut Media:
With offices in London and Hampshire, Woodcut Media, a member of the family of Bob & Co businesses, specialises in the production of documentaries – specialist factual, factual entertainment and lifestyle programming. Woodcut Media’s operations are spearheaded by leading doc producer Kate Beal, who over the years has established strong relations with key broadcasters such as A+E Networks, Discovery Networks, Netflix, ITV, and UK TV, as well as partnerships with leading distributors such as DRG, Content Media, Sky Vision, TCB Media Rights and Flame Distribution. In addition to being one of the leading production entities of crime programming in the UK (The Krays: The Prison Years, Broadmoor – A History of the Criminally Insane), Woodcut Media’s rapidly growing catalogue also includes one-off docs such as Mandela, My Dad and Me featuring Idris Elba, exclusive specials (The Ivy, Kate Middleton: Heir We Go Again!), and factual entertainment show (Around the World in 80 Tricks shot in 4k), and more.
ENDS
Media Contacts:
Keshet International
Laura Saunders, Senior PR Manager
+44 (0) 20 33771 0043 laura.saunders@keshet-tv.com
