Roadshow links with Blink TV

Australia’s Roadshow Films has extended its commitment to local TV production by acquiring 50% of a prominent unscripted production firm headed by Paul Clarke.

Blink TV’s extensive credits include Spicks & Specks, Long Way to the Top, Bombora: The History of Australian Surfing, Wide Open Road
and Whitlam: The Power & The Passion.

In addition, Clarke has been the key creative executive behind the Eurovision Song Contest since 2009, collaborating with production partner and Australian broadcaster SBS.

Clarke is leading the mission to explore the potential of establishing the Eurovision concept in the Asia-Pacific region for SBS.

Blink TV recently optioned the Rescue Dog to Super Dog format from UK-based distributor Magnify Media.

Roadshow’s move into unscripted content complements the launch last year of Roadshow Rough Diamond, a drama production joint venture with veteran producer John Edwards and his son Dan Edwards.

Edwards told C21 today he has two miniseries that have been greenlit by broadcasters but are yet to be announced.

Roadshow Films co-CEO Chris Chard said: “This investment in Blink TV is consistent with our strategy of expanding our production interests beyond scripted drama, positioning the company to capitalise on the increasing importance that unscripted formats and entertainment series have with broadcasters, subscription platforms and on multi-channel networks.

“We’ve enjoyed a strong history of success as a distributor with the brands Paul and the executive team have created and we are excited about the potential value Blink can unlock, particularly with its impressive development slate.”

Clarke added: “Roadshow is an Australian entertainment success story, a company capable of working at the highest level in international film and television. We are delighted to be partnering with them. Our big vision is to bring the Eurovision brand to Asia, with the support of SBS and the EBU; and Roadshow has a strong track record of successfully releasing entertainment projects through Northern Asia.”

Roadshow commercial manager Grahame Grassby will help lead the development of its series, formats and entertainment brands across the region.