Star Channel raises curtain on Staged, Disney Asia Pacific calls in Professionals

David Tennant and Michael Sheen in Staged

Asian buyers have acquired the rights to Zoom-based comedy Staged, drama series Professionals and the Emmy Awards 2021, all represented by London-based distributor Rainmaker Content.

Star Channel Japan has picked up Staged, which has also been renewed by China’s Huanxi Media Group. The show began during lockdown and stars actors David Tennant and Michael Sheen playing versions of themselves rehearsing for a play via video call.

The show has already been sold to Canal+ in France and Poland, UK streamer Britbox and ABC in Australia, as well as into New Zealand, Latin America, Russia and Israel. SVoD service Hulu carries the show in the US.

Meanwhile, Disney Networks Group Asia Pacific has taken the rights to action series Professionals, starring Tom Welling and Brendan Fraser. The show focuses on government corruption during a privately funded modern day space race.

Finally, OTT platform Catchplay+ has bought the rights to the Emmy Awards 2021 ceremony, which will be held on September 20, for Taiwan and Indonesia. Other buyers include U-Next in Japan and Singaporean pubcaster Mediacorp.