Topic seeks Fugitive for original streaming distribution
Details
Joseph O'Halloran
| 24 August 2020
First Look Media’s Topic streaming service has struck up a partnership with London-based development, financing, executive producing, and distribution company Fugitive to represent a slate of its original programmes in the international marketplace.
Rough Draft 24Aug2020
Topic curates streaming content for what is said to be a “curious and engaged audience seeking what smart, provocative and meaningful entertainment.” Launched in 2019, the growing service features North American premieres and exclusive programming from around the world, complemented by a slate of originals.Fugitive will be Topic’s first distribution partner in representing long-form Originals that debuted on its streaming service.

The four Topic Original productions covered in this initial agreement are: Rough Draft with Reza Aslan; What’s Your Ailment?! with Maria Bamford; The Guru Inside You; Second City Presents: The Last Show Left on Earth.

The 8 x 60’ Rough Draft with Reza Aslan (pictured) sees the eponymous writer and producer in conversation with some of the world’s most celebrated novelists, screenwriters and musicians, to take a fascinating, in-depth look at their creative processes and the art of storytelling.

In What’s Your Ailment?! (10 x 40’), comedian Maria Bamford sets about exploring the realities of depression and anxiety and removing the stigma that comes with mental health by using relatable stories, compassion, and her trademark sense of humour. Speaking candidly with fellow comedians and artists, including Tig Notaro and Tom Arnold, this topical series sees that no subject is off-limits.

Comedy series The Guru Inside You (4 x 12’) allows Vikram Gandhi to reprise his role as the false prophet Sri Kumaré, who aims to give spiritual guidance to his ‘followers’ by sharing his unique insights and wild and funny teachings on a range of hot issues. In this first season he tackles subjects such as community, anxiety and dieting – all with a whole new level of honesty and humour.

A new comedy series Topic created together with comedy force and improvisational theatre troupe Second City, Second City Presents: The Last Show Left on Earth (4 x 30’) is hosted by big names such as Jack McBrayer (30 Rock) with each half hour show featuring original sketches, musical performances, and rare footage from The Second City vaults.

“Topic brings challenging, compelling and unconventional scripted and unscripted programming to North American audiences,” commented Ryan Chanatry, general manager at Topic. “We have developed and brought to life these titles ourselves and now we are keen to share and amplify this original programming by introducing international buyers to our exciting new stories and new voices. Fugitive knows us well and understands the Topic brand and streaming service, so we are delighted that they have become our first distribution partner.”

Fugitive founder Anthony Kimble added: “Topic has quickly grown its reputation for streaming exciting new programming at the forefront of culture. We are thrilled to be working with the team on this slate of Originals and hope to enhance that reputation still further while successfully finding the best-fit international homes for each of these series.”