All3Media International finalized its new deal with pay TV broadcaster MultiChoice. The flagship channel M-Net acquires a significant package of content featuring 40+ hours of premium scripted and non-scripted series. “We’re very pleased to partner with M-Net in Africa on this extensive package of premium titles – a line-up that showcases the very best of our scripted and non-scripted portfolios," Kelly Shek, Sales Manager (Africa, Middle East, Turkey & Israel) at All3Media International, said.
Forming part of the non-scripted title section secured by M-Net (DStv Channel 101) is "Highlife," a four-part Optomen Television series that follows a generation of young, influential, trailblazing West African Brits living in London. The program celebrates Black British culture, presenting a nuanced and engaging look at each individual’s story. Making up the scripted section of the deal is Drama Republic’s "The English," a six-part Western written and directed by Hugo Blick, starring Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer. Two six-part thrillers from Harry and Jack Williams’ Two Brothers Pictures feature: "The Tourist" starring Jamie Dornan and Angela Black starring Joanne Froggatt. "We’re particularly excited to see Highlife heading to Africa to give M-Net viewers a unique and engaging perspective on the Black British experience," Shek said. "And M-Net’s acquisition of the incredible It’s A Sin is also notable, giving Showmax subscribers the opportunity to access this heart-breaking yet joyful drama exploring themes that are as important and globally relevant today as they were forty years ago.”
The deal also includes Russell T Davies’ "It’s A Sin." Following its second anniversary, the drama will be available for African audiences for the first time as M-Net has acquired the five-part series for air exclusively on its streaming service Showmax. A story of love, life and loss following a group of friends as they grow up in the 1980s in the shadow of AIDS. The cast for the Red Productions title features Olly Alexander, Lydia West, Callum Scott Howells, Keeley Hawes, Stephen Fry and Neil Patrick Harris.
Season one of Great Southern Television’s supernatural crime drama "One Lane Bridge" (6 x 1 hour), Hartswood Films’ thriller "The Control Room" (3 x 1 hour), and Story Films’ thriller "Witness Number 3" (4 x 1 hour) concludes the line-up of scripted titles heading to M-Net. Finally, M-Net has selected Story Films’ "Fever Pitch: The Battle" for the Premier League from All3Media International’s non-scripted portfolio. The first instalment is the story of how English football was transformed from a sport into a business overnight, told by the people who were there.