ZDF Enterprises, the commercial subsidiary of German public broadcaster ZDF, has signed a first-look deal with UK-based TV drama and film production company Bonafide Films to develop scripted projects for the UK and international markets.
Through the deal, ZDF Enterprises will have exclusive first-look rights to all scripts prepared by Bonafide Films, serve as deficit financier and handle worldwide distribution for the new range of projects.
The deal marks the first long-term partnership ZDF Enterprises enters into with a drama production company in the UK. The move is part of the company’s strategy to extend its English-language portfolio of programmes.
Bonafide Films is in advanced development on a number of scripted drama and film projects with both new and established writers including award-winning authors Peter Moffat and Peter Straughan as well as new talent Sabrina Mahfouz.
The independent company’s productions include Talking to the Dead, written by Gwyneth Hughes for Sky Living, Nosferatu In Love for Sky Arts, written and directed by Peter Straughan, and a new, soon to be announced original comedy series for UKTV Dave in co-producton with BabyCow Productions.