Co-pro deal for Granada and Court TV

MIPCOM NEWS – UK distributor Granada International has signed a co-production and distribution deal with the crime-themed stateside cable channel Court TV.

Under the six-figure deal, Granada International acquires the world distribution rights (outside North America, but including French-speaking Canada) for up to 10 hours of new documentary programming from Court TV in the first year of the deal.

Court TV will also give Granada first-look on all completed half-hour, hour or multi-part documentaries.

In addition, Granada will have first option on the channel's extensive pool of trial footage. Given the large number of trials filmed by Court TV, this will mean that Granada will be on the inside track of any which are of public interest or which have good potential as the basis for a documentary.

John Drury, Granada International's head of factual programming, said: {Crime is one of the most popular areas of factual programmes in the international market, and Court TV is an acknowledged specialist. Not only is it one of the fastest growing cable channels in the US, it is also one of the most pro-active in co-production with UK companies.

He added: {This deal fits perfectly with our strategy of forging strong links with key international broadcasters and producers to bring the best programming into homes around the world.{