DCD Rights ships new factual programming to broadcasters ahead of international launch

17 September 2015


Independent distributor DCD Rights has secured a host of presale deals for its new factual content, with broadcasters in USA, Asia and Canada signing content from its diverse slate of series ahead of their debut at MIPCOM next month.

Discovery Asia and BBC Global News have picked up Mumbai Railways, the new 4 x 60’ HD series from BBC Productions that explores the world’s busiest railway at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, India. Four intrepid presenters try commuting Mumbai-style, crushing on board rush hour trains, and go behind the scenes to reveal the science behind this supersized transport operation. Airing recently in the UK as World’s Busiest Railway, the debut episode almost doubled BBC2’s 9pm slot average this year.

New docu-drama Stalkers Who Kill, from FirstLookTV, has been sold to Reelz in the US.  Immersing viewers in the terror of being stalked, this 10 x 60’ HD series uncovers the horrifying reality of the life of victims under siege from stalkers, brought to life through contemporary stories from around the world. Actors relive the turmoil of the victim’s emotions as expert psychologists, criminologists, former top cops and journalists unpack the motives and machinations of stalkers and reveal the fear they bring to victims’ lives.

DCD Rights continues its successful ongoing distribution partnership with The Open University (OU), premiering two new series at MIPCOM. Genius of the Ancient World, produced through a BBC/OU partnership, has sold to Knowledge Network Canada and BBC Global News. The 3 x 60’ HD series follows historian and author Bettany Hughes as she travels through India, Greece and China on the trail of three giants of ancient philosophy: Buddha, Socrates and Confucius. Also launching is Chasing Perfection (2 x 60’) from The Moment Productions for the OU and Channel 4, following Michael Johnson, one of the world’s most successful athletes as he explores how science has impacted on professional sport and the role it plays in creating exceptional athletes.

Also making its MIPCOM debut is new 13 x 30’ HD series Deals in the Desert, from JEO Productions for Bahraini TV, which follows Bahrain’s elite brokers as they sell the islands’ hottest real estate to a demanding clientele with more money to invest than some small countries. From Okuhle Media for SABC, 3 x 60’ HD series Ocean Adventurer explores the marine ecosystems of Southern Africa’s treacherous and feared coastline, following Captain David de Villiers and his team as they take on daunting specialised challenges set by ocean-loving guests.

Rick Barker, Head of Sales at DCD Rights, said, “We’re delighted to build upon our success at MIPTV – where our relationships with leading factual producers saw us showcasing our largest non-scripted portfolio to date at 1,600 hours – with the launch of this diverse range of new titles. These pre-sales are a great indication of our now established position as a go-to distributor for factual content, as well as the continued strength in demand for globally-relevant, high-quality programming, and we’re looking forward to seeing more new sales come through at MIPCOM.”