Cannes/ New York – AMC/Sundance Channel Global is bolstering its programming slate by acquiring the rights to a wide range of new productions, acclaimed series and independent films, including Weeds, Damages, The Straits, The Slap and independent films from festivals including Sundance Film Festival, Cannes, Venice and more.  These announcements follow recent agreements with premier Pay TV platforms across multiple key markets in Europe and Asia for new launches of its international television networks and video-on-demand (VOD) services.

“AMC/Sundance Channel Global has experienced expanded growth over a very short time and while our advanced rights offering and robust VOD services are embraced by operators, it is our outstanding programming that caters to a hungry audience and continues to drive the growth of our business,” stated Bruce Tuchman, President, AMC/Sundance Channel Global. “These acquisitions reinforce our commitment to offering high quality, independent-minded programming to international audiences across multiple platforms.”

Cult hit Weeds has been acquired for Sundance Channel in France and French Benelux through a deal with Lionsgate.  The agreement includes rights to the series through season four (10×30’ season 1; 12×30’ season 2; 15×30’ season 3; 13×30’ season 4).  Damages has been acquired for Sundance Channel in Spain and Portugal through an agreement with Sony Pictures Television.  The agreement includes rights to the series through season five (13×60’ season 1-3; 10×60’ seasons 4-5).  The Straits is a new 10×60’ darkly humorous crime drama series set in Australia.  Premiere window rights have been acquired for Sundance Channel in Eastern Europe, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, France, Benelux and select territories in Asia through an agreement with DCD Rights.

The Slap is a new 8×60’ drama mini-series based on the bestselling book by Christos Tsiolkas. Sundance Channel has acquired premiere window rights for the series to air in Dutch Benelux through an agreement with DCD Rights.  This agreement builds on the channel’s previously acquired rights for the program in Eastern Europe, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and Asia.

Numerous film titles have been acquired including Bellflower and Myth of the American Sleepover.  The deal includes over 25 premiere window titles on Sundance Channel in Eastern Europe and Belgium.