SCRIPPS NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL BOLSTERS PASSION DISTRIBUTION'S SALES SUCCESS WITH OVER 100 NEW HOURS
March 24, 2011 - Reflecting the growing demand for home and food shows over the past 12 months, Passion Distribution has reported strong sales on Scripps Networks’ programming (HGTV, Food Network and DIY Network) . Key titles are back at MIPTV with all new seasons following ratings highs and multiple territory deals. CUPCAKE WARS season one sold to XYZ Australia, Cuisine TV France, Ananey Israel, CJ Media Korea, Silverscreen in Russia, ABS-CBN Philippines, LiTV for Pan Asia, The Living Channel New Zealand and Lei in Italy (with Lei, XYZ and The Living Channel already securing rights to season two in their territories). GREAT FOOD TRUCK RACE gears up for its return to MIPTV with season two. Season one sold to CJ Media Korea, The Living Channel New Zealand, ABS-CBN Philippines, ABC in Australia, Fox Latin America, and Sky Italia in Italy. Coyote has optioned the format for original production in France. The format is said to be ahead of the curve as street food becomes the latest global culinary craze, prompting further discussion for local versions of the show. Passion introduces Food Network’s newest series, ICE BRIGADE. The larger-than-life cast uses chainsaws and chisels to turn huge ice blocks into life size sculptures. From a pool table to a fairground carousel, anything is possible from this talented team as they freeze their assets to make a living! ROOM CRASHERS, the latest addition to DIY Network’s hit CRASHERS series, makes its MIPTV debut alongside returning series YARD CRASHERS, BATH CRASHERS and HOUSE CRASHERS.These hot home improvement series win huge ratings for DIY Network in the US. The quantity is also attractive with a total of 143 x 30’ episodes now available.MAN CAVES, DIY Network’s ultimate show for guys, is back and bigger than ever in season seven. From the ultimate log cabin to a die-hard sports fan’s hangout, this show gives guys more of what they really want: amazing ideas and know-how to create a space of their own. Sally Miles, CEO of Passion Distribution, says: This is our strongest line up yet from Scripps Networks International. With so many successful returning series, we offer buyers the opportunity to invest in these brands for their own schedules. We are very proud to continue our association with Scripps Networks International and love that we can provide buyers with such strong entertainment and lifestyle content. About Passion: Passion Distribution was officially launched by its founder and CEO, Sally Miles, in 2008. This unique, boutique and intimate style international distribution business represents great content and formats on behalf of UK and North American producers and broadcasters. London-based Passion Distribution specialises in popular quality programming and formats in genres including Factual Entertainment, Reality, Documentaries, Lifestyle, Game-shows and Comedy. Passion Distribution has exclusive distribution agreements with several broadcasters and production companies including Scripps Networks International, Sundance Channel and World of Wonder and works with many others both in the UK & US. Passion Distribution has built a catalogue with over 2500 hours in its first 2.5 years and is also active in pre-selling, finding co-pro partners and deficit funding. About Scripps Networks International: Scripps Networks International is the international development subsidiary of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. Scripps Networks Interactive owns and operates some of the most recognizable and popular lifestyle television networks in the United States including Food Network, HGTV (Home & Garden Television), FLN (Fine Living Network), DIY Network, Travel Channel and GAC (Great American Country). In the US Scripps Networks is the undisputed leader in food – and home-related lifestyle content on television and the internet. It’s an expertise that the company is intent on exporting across the globe. Scripps Networks Interactive programming has been licensed and syndicated internationally for more than a decade and can be seen in around 170 countries. With 30,000 hours of original lifestyle programming wholly owned, much of which can be economically and efficiently repurposed for international distribution, 20 percent of the catalogue of archived programming is in HD. Press Contact: Farida Zoubaa – faridazoubaa@passiondistribution.com
