MTG explores hidden places

Scandinavian broadcast giant Modern Times Group (MTG) has pre-bought an Australian factual series that explores deserted towns and cities.

MTG has acquired Status: Vacant (13×30′) for its Viasat History channel in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, where it will begin airing in the second quarter of next year.

The deal was done with Escapade Media, the Sydney-based international distribution and financing firm launched last year by Natalie Lawley, Anthony Mrsnik and Hamish Lewis – three former executives at the distribution arm of Aussie pubcaster ABC.

Escapade has been working with Perth and Sydney-based Showrunner Productions on the show, which began production this month and sees musician Nick Saxon travel to abandoned locations around the world, including a desolate village in Argentina and an empty city in China.

Saxon is also the presenter of the Nat Geo series World Traveller, while Showrunner Productions is the company behind the Nat Geo series 72 Dangerous Animals Australia.