5 Feb 2007 07:00
Embargoed; 0700hrs, 5 February 2007
DCD Media plc ("DCD Media" or the "Company") Major New TV Production
DCD Media plc, the arts, entertainment and drama television production and distribution group, is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Box TV, has completed an agreement with BBC Television for the production of Box's biggest ever project, entitled 'The Last Enemy', with an approximate estimated turnover of ‚£5.9 million.
'The Last Enemy' comprises one 90 minute programme followed by four 60 minute episodes and marks the entry of Box TV into the area of major drama serials. 'The Last Enemy' is a shocking and compelling look at how technology could transform Britain into a surveillance society - threatening human relationships and destroying trust. The five part contemporary drama, by acclaimed screenwriter Peter Berry (Prime Suspect 6, Mary Bryant, Kiszko - A Life for a Life), follows a group of characters - including a scientist, an aid worker and a desperate father - who are each trying to deal with crises in their own lives when they unwittingly get caught up in a global mystery. Box is in advanced negotiation with Max Beesley, Anamaria Marinca and Benedict Cumberbatch to star. Filming begins in London on February 17th, with transmission expected later in the year on BBC One. As the owner of the worldwide exploitation rights to this project, DCD Media has the potential to generate significant further revenues.
In recent years Box TV's productions have been mini-series' such as 'Bon Voyage' (which aired on ITV1 in autumn 2006) or large-scale single films such as 'The Wind in the Willows', which was shown on BBC One on January 1st 2007. Starring Matt Lucas and Bob Hoskins, this programme was watched by a slot-winning audience of 5.7 million viewers and was received with critical acclaim. The Company also anticipates significant future revenues from the worldwide exploitation of both 'Bon Voyage' and 'The Wind in the Willows', with a number of deals already in the pipeline.
DCD Media Chief Executive, Chris Hunt, said, "We are delighted with the signature of this agreement with the BBC. Box TV goes from strength to strength, its productions routinely achieving the coveted double whammy of high ratings and very positive critical reaction. It is pleasing to see the BBC recognising this in awarding Box this high-profile and high-turnover series. The popularity and quality of Box TV's work also make for great international sales potential, the benefit of which we expect to see not only in this financial year but more particularly in future periods."
For further information please contact,
Chris Hunt, Chief ExecutiveDCD Media plcTel. 020 7297 8000Ben SimonsHansard GroupTel. 020 7245 1100
DCD MEDIA PLC