VRT gets Primitive with formats

Belgian channel VRT has agreed a representation deal with distributor The New Flemish Primitives (TNFP), giving the latter rights to sell all the channel’s formats internationally.

Under the deal with the Flemish public broadcaster, TNFP will handle all scripted and unscripted formats owned by the net. The deal includes the new comedy sketch show Wild Game, plus Also Tested on Humans and The Inventors, and a number of unspecified drama projects.

Also joining TNFP’s format slate is The Perfect Couple, a new primetime relationship show from Belgian prodco and TNFP backer DeMensen that launched on Sunday to healthy numbers.

The show drew an average of 45% share and 1.1 million viewers, peaking at just under 1.5 million and a 54% share on Een (VRT). “It was easily the biggest show of the weekend across all channels,” said TNFP co-founder Sue Green.

Last week, another new TNFP entertainment format Top Starter debuted, with 25% share and over 600,000 viewers the competitive Monday primetime slot on Een. The show is an entrepreneurial talent competition.

TNFP also represents daily quizzes Rasters and Blokken, which air on Een. The company has also added VRT drama Met Man en Macht (Of Men and Power, 8×60′) to its slate.

TNFP launched in 2011, the result of an alliance between Flemish prodcos Woestijnvis, DeMensen and De Filistijnen. Green, previously head of Nordic territories and Central and Eastern Europe for FremantleMedia, is the company’s MD.