AMC Networks’ premium streaming services Shudder and Sundance Now have today announced two major TV acquisitions: Shudder, the premium streaming video service for thrillers, suspense and horror, has acquired first-run US/Canada and second-run UK/Ireland rights for BLACK LAKE, an immaculately crafted Scandinavian noir series; while Sundance Now, the premium streaming video service for award-winning films, documentaries and TV series, has acquired first-run US and Canadian rights to PUBLIC ENEMY, a thought-provoking Belgian thriller. Both drama series are distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.
BLACK LAKE follows the unsettling events that engulf a group of young friends when they visit the abandoned Black Lake ski resort – previously the scene of a horrific crime. Launching soon on Shudder, the eight part series is produced by Jarowskij and was the number #1 series each week when broadcast on MTG’s Swedish network in 2016, gaining critical praise. The show nearly doubled the timeslot average on the Swedish TV3 channel and was also available on MTG’s Nordic video streaming service Viaplay.
Sundance Now, has acquired the riveting Belgian drama PUBLIC ENEMY, which will launch on the service in the coming months. The 10-part series won the Coup de Coeur Award at the MIPDrama Screenings and depicts the morally complex world of a child murderer, released from prison into the custody of a group of monks, leading to outrage and panic from the community that surrounds them.
PUBLIC ENEMY, produced by Entre Chien et Loup & Playtime Films has been praised by leading Belgium weekly news magazine Le Soir as ‘Quality local drama’ and was the most viewed Belgian prime time show when it aired in 2016. PUBLIC ENEMY joins recent Sundance Now exclusives such as critically acclaimed French espionage thriller THE BUREAU and Richard Ayoade’s comedic travel series TRAVEL MAN.
BLACK LAKE and PUBLIC ENEMY are key additions to Shudder and Sundance Now, with the leading premium services in their categories continuing to expand their offerings with multiple exclusives premiering per month on each platform.
Shudder and Sundance Now VP of Global Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Aurelie de Troyer has said: “We are very excited to bring BLACK LAKE and PUBLIC ENEMY to the AMC Networks’ streaming family. Both series offer classy, stylish and, above all, edge-of-your-seat entertainment to Shudder and Sundance Now audiences. With the appetite for International TV series at an all-time high, we look forward to continuing in our mission to provide high-quality entertainment from every corner of the globe.”
Iréne Lindblad, Managing Director from Jarowskij shared: “We are delighted that our fantasy thriller BLACK LAKE will be available for audiences to experience via the Shudder platform. We hope audiences enjoy this nail-biting journey. Viewing experiences don’t get much darker – or more exciting – than BLACK LAKE.”
Entre Chien et Loup’s François Touwaid, Executive Producer for Public Enemy has said: “It is exciting that PUBLIC ENEMY is joining Sundance Now. The vision of our fresh Belgian talent combined with the show’s thought-provoking and complex directions make it right at home alongside the service’s progressive and inspiring catalogue.”