DNA Films Teams With Fox Networks Group for TV Venture

UK-based DNA Films is pushing into TV with its new small screen venture, DNA TV Limited.

The independently owned entity, a partnership with Fox Network Group, will work with a stable of UK-based writing, producing and directing talent, to create TV dramas, limited-run event series and comedies for UK and international broadcasters. As DNA TVs partner, FNG will have a first-look pact -- the latter's first ever deal of this kind -- to provide both co-financing and access to its global distribution network, including Fox, FX, Nat Geo and Fox Internationals 300-plus channels around the world.

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"Having worked closely with Peter [Rice, Fox Network Groups Chairman] when he was at Fox Searchlight, we are delighted to have Fox Networks Group in our corner, said DNA Films CEO Andrew Macdonald in a statement announcing the news Wednesday. We believe that by utilizing our relationships with British talent and broadcasters, we can produce great television drama that will resonate in the UK as well as with Foxs audience in the US and around the globe."

Added Rice: "Over the years the team at DNA has demonstrated a remarkable gift for developing strong, well-written material and managing productions with tremendous production values. This venture will give their talent access to a global audience from a creative base in London and will give our networks group the opportunity to work with them. Were delighted to be working with Andrew, Allon [Reich] and their team again to produce great programs for the Fox networks."

DNA and Fox share a long history, dating back to the Danny Boyle's 2000 film, The Beach, starringLeonardo DiCaprio.More recently, DNAhas produced and financed a slate of successful films including Academy Award-winning The Last King of Scotland, as well as Notes on a Scandal, 28 Days Later and Sunshine. The current slate includes an adaptation of Thomas Hardys Far From the Madding Crowd and writer/director Alex Garlands thriller Ex Machina.

ManagingFNGs role in the relationship will be FX Networks' president of original programming Eric Schrier, who recently added cable upstart FXX to his plate as well. "With DNA TV, we have created a co-production model that allows for creative talent to work organically with Broadcasters in both the US and UK," he said, adding: "I'm excited to work with the DNA TV team, UK broadcasters and FNG networks to create innovative and truly global television."

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DNA Films Teams With Fox Networks Group for TV Venture