Smithsonian, RTL build factual line-up

Engineering series How Did They Build That?

International networks including the Smithsonian Channel, RTL in the Netherlands, Nippon TV in Japan and FTV Prima in the Czech Republic have acquired content from UK-based distributor TCB Media Rights.

The Smithsonian Channel has picked up the engineering series How Did They Build That? for broadcast across North America and the UK. Dutch broadcaster RTL has also taken the show, which had previously been licensed by BBC International Channels for Scandinavia, CEEMEA and Asia, and by Welt for Germany.

National Geographic has picked up Massive Engineering Mistakes, produced by Argonon-owned BriteSpark Films in association with TCB, for its feed in the Netherlands.

FTV Prima has acquired a 60-hour package deal that will see the channel air shows including Woodcut Media’s World’s Greatest Palaces, Like A Shot Entertainment’s Shipwreck Secrets and BriteSpark’s World’s Most Scenic Railways.

Japanese broadcaster Nippon TV has acquired the seventh season of AMS Pictures’ true crime series Murder Me Famous.

Another 50 hours of TCB content, meanwhile, is heading for South Africa on the back of deals with Ignition TV and The Home Channel for shows including Driving Mum & Dad Crazy, Ultimate Rides, Money For Nothing and The Great Australian Cookbook.

Finally, France’s RMC Story has picked up the last three seasons of CJZ’s factual series Border Patrol.

TCB Media Rights was acquired recently by Beyond following the collapse of its previous parent, Canada’s Kew Media.

TCB founder and CEO Paul Heaney opposed the sale, having attempted his own management buy-out and tried to fight the move in Ontario’s courts.

He remains with the firm but was not quoted in today’s announcement.