LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and Hulu have announced a major new first look deal for international distribution rights to the online video service’s original commission programming. This is the first time an international distributor has signed such an agreement with a online video service. The deal, which enables FME to distribute Hulu original series globally across all platforms, including traditional media, is another example of FME’s commitment to forging partnerships with the world’s most prominent and exciting content producers and further expands its catalogue of fresh, inventive and high-quality TV programming.
The first title FME will take to the global market is Morgan Spurlock’s acclaimed documentary series, A Day In The Life (16x30’), which Hulu premieres for a second season on March 12th on Hulu and the Hulu Plus subscription service.
Hulu's foray into long-form original content kicked off in 2011 with the premiere of A Day in the Life, which chronicles a complete day in the life of some the world’s most fascinating humans, from billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson and street artist Mr. Brainwash to multi-platinum Black Eye Peas front man, will.i.am. The second season features chef Mario Batali, the Roots drummer and frontman Questlove, comedian Marc Maron, hip-hop duo Das Racist and more. Morgan Spurlock gives viewers a 24-hour snapshot of his subjects' lives on a day that may be ordinary to them but feels extraordinary to viewers.
David Ellender, Global CEO of FremantleMedia Enterprises, said, “This is a ground-breaking deal, which sets a new precedent for acquiring content that can live on both digital and linear platforms, while identifying opportunities outside of the traditional distribution models. We are delighted to be part of Hulu’s ambitious push in to the production of original programming and to be offering audiences across the world access to innovative new shows like A Day in the Life.”
Andy Forssell, Hulu’s senior vice president of content, added, “As we expand into original series, we're collaborating with some of the world's greatest independent storytellers to make and distribute great TV. Through this new partnership with FME, we now have the opportunity to extend the reach of these distinctive stories like Morgan Spurlock's 'A Day in the Life,' on a global scale.”
With its original programming, Hulu provides opportunities for independent storytellers to produce and distribute their work across its optimized distribution platform. Hulu recently launched its first original scripted series, Battleground, a drama with comedic moments set in the world of political campaigns. Battleground is executive produced by JD Walsh, Hagai Shaham and Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer, The Amazing Spider-Man). Hulu also announced the summer 2012 launch of Up to Speed, a whimsical travel series turned on its head by maverick filmmaker Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused and Oscar-nominated Before Sunset), starring historian and flaneur Timothy "Speed" Levitch (The Cruise).
ABOUT FREMANTLEMEDIA ENTERPRISES & FREMANTLEMEDIA
FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is in turn 90 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's major media and entertainment companies. FremantleMedia’s worldwide production arm is responsible for many of the world’s highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment programmes. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment around the world. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes FremantleMedia North America, UFA, FremantleMedia UK, FremantleMedia Australia and Original Productions amongst others) has operations in 22 countries, one of the most comprehensive global networks, creating nearly 10,000 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. FremantleMedia has some of the world’s most sought after and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally, produces such programmes as: Idols (co-produced with 19 Productions in the US), Hole In The Wall, Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK), Take Me Out, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife, Gute Zeiten Schlechte Zeiten, and Neighbours.
ABOUT HULU
Hulu is an online TV service whose mission is to help people find and enjoy the world’s premium content when, where and how they want it. As we pursue this mission, we aspire to create a service that users, advertisers and content owners unabashedly love. Hulu was founded in 2007 and is operated independently by a dedicated team with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Tokyo, and Beijing. NBCUniversal, News Corporation, The Walt Disney Company, Providence Equity Partners and the Hulu team share in the ownership of the company (www.hulu.com).