Channel 4, Woodcut face down serial killers

Surviving a Serial Killer will debut on More4 this month

Commercially funded UK pubcaster Channel 4 has ordered a six-part true crime series from UK independent prodco Woodcut Media about people who came face to face with serial killers and lived.

Surviving a Serial Killer (6×60’) is currently in production for an air date of February 28 on free-to-air channel More4.

Nick Mavroidakis is series producer for Woodcut, with Matt Blyth and Koulla Anastasi executive producing.

Woodcut International, Woodcut’s fledgling distribution arm, will handle worldwide sales in the run-up to the online version of MipTV in April.

The show features the stories of people who encountered killers including Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy and Peter Sutcliffe, aka the Yorkshire Ripper.

Polly Scates, acquisitions manager at Channel 4 said: “We were immediately drawn to this unique twist on a true crime format, that highlights the important voices of those who came into contact with some of the most terrifying people in history.”

Koulla Anastasi, director of business development for Woodcut International, added: “Increased viewing at the moment has created an even stronger demand for this type of content and audiences seem to have an insatiable appetite for the crime genre.”

In related news, Channel 4 has also greenlit a six-part quizshow from Red Arrow Studios-owned UK production company CPL Productions.

Quizness (working title) is fronted by comedian Tom Allen and tests contestants’ general knowledge for a cash prize.

The 6×60’ series comes with a twist, however, as the more answers the competitors know the dafter they must look to prove it.

It was commissioned by Phil Harris, head of entertainment and events, with commissioning editors Steven Handley and Genna Gibson.

The format was created by Dan Maier for CPL. It will be made by CPL Productions and the exec producers are Danielle Lux, Murray Boland, Dan Maier and David Taylor.

Red Arrow Studios International will distribute the format internationally.