Orange Smarty seals Euro deals for primetime UK docs
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Editor
| 17 May 2019

Cashing in on what it says is building demand for premium factual content from the UK’s leading top producers, indie distributor Orange Smarty has closed sales with broadcasters in Scandinavia, the Benelux and the Czech Republic.

Initiated at MIPTV in April, the multi-platform factual content, deals have been sealed with DR Denmark, SVT Sweden, VRT Belgium, KRO-NCRV Netherlands, Ceska Televize Czech Republic.

DR has acquired a package of documentaries including Trevor McDonald and the Killer Nurse; Wildman to Ironman; and three titles from award-winning UK producer True Vision: Born on the Breadline, Behind Closed Doors: Through the Eyes of a Child and Stacey Dooley: The Young and Homeless.

In the 50-minute documentary Trevor McDonald and the Killer Nurse, (pictured) produced by ITN Productions for ITV, the respected journalist and newsreader investigates the chilling case of Beverly Allitt, one of the UK’s worst serial killers who murdered and abused several children in her care as a nurse. Also commissioned by the BBC, 52-minute film Wildman to Ironman by One Tribe follows Matt Pritchard’s journey turning the Welsh border and coastline into one enormous triathlon route.

Stacey Dooley: The Young and Homeless is a sensitive observational film that follows three young people as they navigate their way through teenage life without the security of a home. The 59-minute film for BBC One, presented by the leading UK TV celebrity and campaigner has also been acquired by VRT Belgium and SVT Sweden.

KRO-NCRV has acquired Dirty Vegan for NPO3, made by One Tribe and commissioned by the BBC, the series looks to prove that Vegan food can make you fitter, stronger and healthier as well as taste great. Ceska TV has taken a trio of documentaries, including Living with My Supersized Pets, a 60-minute film from Barcroft Productions for Channel 4 which explores why some people choose to own pets that could feasibly (and easily) kill them. On the other end of the animal spectrum isMeet the Hedgehogs (3 x 60 mins), an Athena Films production for Channel 5. Set in the Amazing Grace Rescue Centre founded by Dr Brian May of rock band Queen fame, the series introduces viewers to the amazing world of the humble hedgehog. Also headed for Ceska is English National Opera’s interpretation of Berlioz’s first opera, Benvenuto Cellini.

Commenting on the deals, Karen Young, founder and CEO of Orange Smarty said: “[We are] all about being different from the rest and these latest sales underline just how effective difference can be when it comes to factual content. People don’t want the same old, same old. They want to be surprised and intrigued and challenged. That’s what the docs on our slate deliver — and this response from buyers across Europe shows that we’re not the only ones who believe in the power of different.”