London – all3media International has signed a roster of sales for its latest detective drama Brokenwood Mysteries, it announced, as broadcasters around the world secure the new South Pacific Pictures’ series.
Brokenwood Mysteries
Produced for Prime in New Zealand, Brokenwood Mysteries is now set to air in France following a deal with France 3. The 4 x 120’ drama will launch in a Sunday primetime slot on the channel in 2015. DR in Denmark has also signed the series for broadcast later this year. This follows its success with all3media International’s long-running global hit Midsomer Murders and atmospheric crime noir Hinterland.
In addition, Australia’s Nine Network has picked up Brokenwood Mysteries, alongside Volga Film, which secures rights to the drama for Russia, Ukraine and Central Asia, and Acorn Media, for DVD distribution in the USA.
Francesca Dandolo, Conseillere of Acquired Fiction Programmes at France 3, said, “France 3 welcomes the New Zealander series Brokenwood Mysteries from the all3media International sales catalogue. The series perfectly fits our Sunday primetime slot where French viewers appreciate mysteries involving strong minded detectives, lavish country landscapes and quirky murders.”
Peter Grant all3media International, who negotiated the France 3 and Australian deals, added, “all3media International has succeeded in establishing an impressive portfolio of detective drama – a genre which continues to be very popular in the international market. With South Pacific’s new addition to the roster – and with a second series of Brokenwood already confirmed – we are confident Brokenwood Mysteries will become a firm favourite with global audiences.”
Recently commissioned for a second series, which will go into production in New Zealand in May, Brokenwood Mysteries, from the producers of The Almighty Johnsons and Outrageous Fortune, stars Neill Rea as a city cop who escapes his fast-paced urban life to solve crimes in the rural backwater of Brokenwood. But, as he watches over the quiet, community-spirited country town alongside local partner DC Kristin Simms (Fern Sutherland), Shepherd soon finds that beneath its peaceful veneer, buried secrets, treacherous lies and murder are curiously at home in Brokenwood. Brokenwood Mysteries is executive produced by John Barnett and Kelly Martin and produced by Chris Bailey.