Acorn Media International strike deals with BBC Daytime and ABC

Acorn Media International announce rights deal with ABC Television in Australia.

“ABC TV is a fabulous home for quality international shows so it’s fitting that Australian audiences will be able to watch FInding Joy and Keeping Faith here. Our great and varied content is helping us develop successful partnerships with Australian broadcasters and with lots more quality programming in the pipeline this year and beyond we expect to be announcing more sales soon.” – Darrien Puddy, AMI’s General Manager, Australia

The first programme heading down under is Finding Joy. Created by Irish actor and comic Amy Huberman, who writes and stars in the sitcom which will premiere on iView followed by ABC Comedy.

Aidan has just dumped Joy. Heartbroken, she picks herself up enough to go to the office where she is swiftly informed that she’s taking on the role of chief lifestyle vlogger/writer/reporter for ‘News Today.’ Tasked with investigating spiritual retreats, abseiling and other pursuits not pursued by everyday folk, Joy’s world is literally turned upside down. Thank goodness there’s Aidan… Canine Aidan that is, her somewhat wiser companion, to keep an eye on her.

The deal also sees thriller Keeping Faith, starring Eve Myles head to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The drama took audiences by storm last year following an AMI deal for premiere rights with BBC First in Australia and UK TV in New Zealand. A second series is in production and will be available later this year, first in the usual places then second rights to air with ABC. Successful lawyer, loving wife, devoted mother – Faith Howells is a woman who has it all – until, in one short day, her entire world and everything she believed in falls apart when her husband leaves for work as normal and doesn’t return.

The company also announced they have inked a deal with BBC One for both Series One and Series Two of their gritty, gripping police drama London Kills, starring British acting talent including Sharon Small and Hugo Speer.

London Kills sees the world’s most exciting city as the backdrop for a series of murders – all investigated by an elite murder squad. The team is headed by Detective Inspector David Bradford (Hugo Speer) and comprises of ambitious Detective Sergeant Vivienne Cole (Sharon Small) who plays by her own rules, seasoned crime-solver Detective Constable Rob Brady (Bailey Patrick) and inexperienced Trainee Detective Constable Billie Fitzgerald (Tori Allen-Martin).  As the detectives solve each case, the one mystery David can’t solve is the one most personal to him. His wife has gone missing – is she alive or dead?

“We are delighted that the BBC has recognised the potential for London Kills as a stand out show for their Daytime schedule.” – Vanessa Jordan, AMI’s Head of International Sales