UK’s Projector allies with ZDFE

The commercial arm of German pubcaster ZDF has signed a first-look development and distribution deal with UK drama indie Projector Pictures.

ZDF Enterprises (ZDFE) will work with Projector, which is behind series including ITV’s Kidnap and Ransom and BBC Walking Dead spin-off copro The Body Farm, on upcoming projects.

Founded by Trevor Eve, Charles Haswell and Sharon Maughan, Projector is currently developing shows for networks in the UK and US, where it is working with ABC Studios, Lionsgate and Showtime on a remake of Kidnap and Ransom.

The latter series has so far run to two seasons and sees Eve star as an international hostage negotiator. Filming takes place in South Africa.

The deal with ZDFE was brokered by Projector exec producer Rachel Gesua, Wiggin partner Charles Moore, ZDFE legal exec Karoline Meichsner-Sertl and drama VP Tasja Abel.

ZDFE exec VP and chief operating officer said Projector’s “commitment to creating distinctive, innovative British drama for a global audience is a great fit for our company.”

ZDFE last week renewed a development deal with another British drama indie Bonafide Films.