Eyeworks in dramatic move with Egmond

Dutch producer Eyeworks is continuing its push into drama production with the acquisition of compatriot Egmond Film and Television for an undisclosed sum.

The move follows Eyeworks’ first concerted bid to expand its drama activities last year when it acquired MMG of Belgium. It has since strengthened overseas expertise in the genre with the purchase of Touchdown.

Eyeworks’ home-grown efforts in the Netherlands include The Band, for pubcaster Vara; Sprint, a series about bicycle couriers for BNN; and Cops, for Tros, made with originator MMG.

The acquisition of Egmond represents something of a step-change in strategy as far as Eyeworks’ Dutch drama capability is concerned, however, bringing the company’s chief executive Hans de Weers into the fold.

Egmond produced the series Sisters De Wit for Net 5 and VRT and Couples and Van Speijk for Talpa. It is also behind some of the highest-profile features to come out of Holland, including Oscar-winner Antonia’s Line.

“The fact that Egmond Film and Television is so well known abroad fits into our strategy in regard to our international ambitions,” said Eyeworks chief executive Reinout Oerlemans in a statement. The company is expected to make further acquisitions before the end of this year.