Acorn Links-Up With Shed Media In British TV Deal

UK-based Shed Media PLC has sealed a major, comprehensive home video rights deal with Acorn Media Group, a leading independent video and DVD distributor specialising in high quality British television series.
The deal sees Acorn take an exclusive first option on all Shed Media productions in a worldwide DVD deal.
Privately-owned Acorn was established in the US over twenty years ago, opening up a UK division ten years ago and most recently it opened up its Australian operation.
Over this period Acorn has firmly established its reputation for releasing the very best of British television. Some of Acorn's key brands include Midsomer Murders, Foyle's War and Lynda La Plante's Trial & Retribution.
Acorn already successfully distributes several Shed Media series in the UK including series three and four of Wall to Wall's drama production for BBC1 New Tricks with Dennis Waterman, and all series of smash hit Who Do You Think You Are?
The initial focus of the deal now will be to exploit DVD rights for prime time drama and comedy series programming, taking advantage of Acorn's strong market positions in these fields but will encompass other genres to be found within the Shed Media family of companies form factual entertainment, specialist factual.
Starting from January 1st 2009 the first titles to be released in the UK will include the hit BBC One drama Waterloo Road series three and four, the brand new BBC One series Hope Springs starring Alex Kingston and the new six part comedy series from Catherine Bailey, Life of Riley.
Acorn Media UK's Managing Director, Paul Holland explained: "We are very excited that Shed Media have decided to work with Acorn Media as their worldwide partner for DVD publishing starting in 2009.
"This deal will deliver some of the best new prime time TV programming on DVD in the months and years ahead across many genres including modern drama, classic drama, comedy and special interest."
Holland continued: "Another brilliant aspect to this deal is that it gives Acorn the opportunity to delve into the catalogue of the Shed Media group of companies and allow us to release on DVD a number of new titles from a fabulously rich catalogue of programming. The success we have enjoyed on New Tricks in the UK is just the start of bigger things to come."
The deal was put together by global content distributor Outright whose slate of programming, which it sells on behalf of both its parent company Shed Media and third-party producers, is now some 1,250 hours of finished programming and 80 properties with format rights available.
(BMcC)