L.A. Screenings: Canadian Deals Aplenty, CBS in Russia Pact
Canadian TV buyers have been buying new shows at a fast clip this week as the major studios hosted a movable feast of program sales for international TV execs attending the annual L.A. Screenings events.
CBS, meanwhile, has set its first volume deal with a Russian outlet, setting a multi-year pact with pay TV and SVOD provider Amedia Group for a raft of shows, including CBS’ entire new slate, plus existing series such as “Elementary,” CW’s “Beauty and the Beast” and Showtime’s upcoming drama “Ray Donovan.”
“We are excited to partner with Russia’s leading production company and newest broadcaster, Amedia, for our first volume deal in the market,” said Armando Nunez, prexy of CBS Global Distribution.
The Eye also announced a pact with MTV3 Finland covering new series such as CBS drama “Reckless” and CW’s “Reign.” The channel is already home to CBS’ “CSI” franchise.
Warner Bros., Sony Pictures TV and others had brisk business in English-lingo territories, particularly Canada. The major Canadian outlets will unveil their purchases at upfront events early next month.
Disney got it Screenings events started on Sunday night with a record number of buyers attending its kickoff gathering. The Mouse has major buzz this year thanks to the anticipation for “Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD” drama, which is fortified by the international appeal of the Marvel brand and the renown of exec producer Joss Whedon.
“There could not be a better time to launch a Marvel TV show,” said Catherine Powell, Disney’s senior veep of media distribution for Europe, the Middle East and Asia, noting that “Iron Man 3″ has been burning up the international B.O. “The currency of the Marvel brand is at its highest.”
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