Antenna, ITVSGE link up on formats

Antenna Group has signed a production representation deal with ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVSGE) covering Greece and Serbia.

Jennifer Ebell

The multi-year agreement will see the broadcaster’s portfolio of production companies serve as ITVGE’s exclusive production partner for its scripted and non-scripted formats in the territories.

The first production to fall under the new agreement will be Saturday Night Takeaway, which will be produced for Antenna’s free-to-air channel Ant1 in Greece this autumn.

The deal was brokered by Jennifer Ebell, senior VP of EMEA sales for ITVSGE, and Pete Smith, MD of Antenna Group.

Antenna’s portfolio of production companies includes Ants Production Hub, Ena Productions and Antenna Group Studios.

ITVSGE has previously produced The Chase and Come Dine With Me in Serbia, with the latter format also currently airing in Greece.

Pete Smith

Mike Beale, MD of Nordics and global creative network at ITV Studios, said that Ebell’s team will work with Antenna to identify the best formats for their territories, while his team will offer production support.

“Local productions from across Central, Eastern and Southern Europe are starting to get the recognition they deserve and the region is fast becoming the focus for global companies seeking highly creative and skilled production outfits,” said Smith.

“ITVSGE are the perfect partner for Antenna Group as we look to further grow our diverse and successful range of original productions across the region and expansion into new markets.”

It follows a similar deal between Antenna and Vice Media, signed earlier this year, for Antenna to represent content from youth-skewing channel Viceland in CEE.