Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, has secured global distribution rights to The Gulf, a brand new international drama co-production, it announced today.
The Gulf is a six-part co-production from New Zealand’s Screentime (Straight Forward, Dear Murderer), Lippy Pictures (Jean, Field Punishment No 1), German fiction specialist Letterbox Filmproduktion (Bad Banks), a member company of the Studio Hamburg Production Group, and broadcaster ZDF.
This German–New Zealand thriller has already attracted a host of key international broadcasters, with MediaWorks’ Three in New Zealand and Nine in Australia onboard. With direction from Charlie Haskell (Straight Forward, Tangiwai), Gaysorn Thavat (Fresh Eggs) and Rob Sarkies (This Is Not My Life, Out of the Blue), The Gulf is an innovative and complex drama exploring the idea that even good people, given the wrong circumstances, are capable of committing a terrible crime.
Caroline Torrance at Banijay Rights commented, “The Gulf sees a team of absolute experts in drama production brought together via an exciting new international collaboration – delivering a gripping, fast-paced dive into the world of someone who has suddenly found herself in an unthinkable situation – not knowing whether she can even trust herself. We’re confident it will make compelling viewing and look forward to showcasing it to the global market as part of our impressive drama portfolio.”
Philly de Lacey, Executive Producer, Screentime says, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Lippy Pictures and Letterbox Filmproduktion on this series. The creative expertise of all three production houses will ensure that a very special production is delivered to our screens. This dark series is juxtaposed by its setting in the natural harbour of New Zealand’s stunning Hauraki Gulf and Waiheke Island.”
Simone Emmelius, ZDF Head Feature Films of and Co-production, points out, “We are happy to break new grounds with The Gulf and bring an amazing show set in New Zealand to our audience. This series is a further step to expand our co-production slate.”
“With our German partner ZDF and their initial support, and two outstanding international partners, we have a dedicated team on our side that thrives on creative exchange and has the know-how to create high-end series”, adds Michael Lehmann, CEO, Letterbox Filmproduktion.
“Lippy Pictures is proud to be in collaboration with Screentime NZ, Letterbox Filmproduktion Germany and Banijay Rights to bring The Gulf to a global audience. The rushes already promise a dark and dazzling Southern Noir drama, showcasing both the unique creative talent and natural beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand,” said Paula Boock & Donna Malane, Lippy Pictures.
Andrew Szusterman, MediaWorks Chief Content Officer, says, “This production promises to have the hallmarks of what makes current television drama so exciting. It will keep global audiences transfixed at every turn, all packaged up by some of New Zealand’s finest production and acting talent and set against her unique landscape.”