ITV Studios Agrees Deal With La Plante

ITV Studios Global Entertainment has announced a significant multi-year exclusive deal with renowned independent producer La Plante Productions.
The company has acquired worldwide rights to more than 120 hours of prestigious content and first-look options for international distribution on all new projects.
This agreement forms part of their ongoing strategy to work with leading producers on the distribution of long running content.
The deal comprises worldwide rights for the entire La Plante Productions catalogue, including a host of critically-acclaimed content which has garnered numerous international awards and impressive global ratings.
Established in 1993 by award-winning author and scriptwriter Lynda La Plante, the company's portfolio features classic programming adapted from La Plante's best-selling novels, including the long-running star-stuffed courtroom drama Trial & Retribution; investigative police drama The Commander starring Amanda Burton and The Governor featuring Janet McTeer as prison governor Helen Hewitt.
Also included is latest crime thriller series Above Suspicion, starring Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes, He Kills Coppers) as female detective DC Anna Travis. The most recent instalment Above Suspicion: The Red Dahlia premiered in the UK on ITV1 to 8 million viewers and won its primetime slot for every episode aired.
On the international stage it improved the UK drama share average by 39% when it aired on Canal + in France and increased TV4's average audience share for drama by 24% in Sweden. The highly anticipated third series Above Suspicion: Deadly Intent is now in production.
Maria Kyriacou, Managing Director at ITV Studios Global Entertainment commented: "La Plante Productions has established an impressive slate of world classi drama which continues to prove hugely successful on the international stage.
"Content from leading, third party producers forms an important part of our portfolio and this deal is a fantastic example of our continued commitment to acquire first class, long-running programmes for international distribution."
Lynda La Plante commented: "La Plante Productions is all about quality and talent and I am therefore very happy that ITV Studios Global Entertainment are working alongside us to ensure that our productions continue to find new audiences internationally."
Liz Thorburn, Managing Director at La Plante Productions, added: "As an independent production company we continue to enjoy a close working relationship with ITV Drama and we see this as a natural and exciting extension of that relationship. We are thrilled that ITV Studios Global Entertainment will be taking our productions to the international market place."
(KMcA)