Espresso acquires Cardinal Releasing's music doc catalogue

Espresso Media International have acquired worldwide distribution rights to Cardinal Releasing’s two new music documentaries, plus their critically acclaimed music content catalogue of 35 hours.

Currently in production, the newly acquired "Beyond the Decks" delves deep into the global success of electronic dance music and the truth behind the billion-dollar industry, from mental health and diversity to gender disparity. Featuring DJ pioneers including Frankie Knuckles, DJ Pierre, DJ Minx, and Sister Bliss (Faithless), director Jon Brewer chronicles the evolution of EDM from home-grown house and techno to massive global success.

The second new doc, "The Rock Prophet: Link Wray", is the story of Rock n Roll’s best kept secret. Featuring an A-list cast of rock legends such as Jimmy Page, Pete Townsend and Dan Auerbach, "The Rock Prophet" looks at the mighty talent that changed the face of music forever.

Alongside these 2023 releases, Espresso have also acquired Cardinal’s impressive back catalogue consisting of biopics, live performance, and series that profiles some of the biggest names in music Cardinal such as "Chuck Berry" (1x103’), "Beside Bowie:The Mick Ronson Story" (1x102’, narrated by David Bowie), and "B.B. King: On The Road" (1x106’).

“We are confident that the new Cardinal releases in 2023, as well as our back catalogue including the Classic Artists series, is in the right hands at Espresso with David Hooper, Jess Reilly and their stellar sales team producing results worldwide,” says Laura Royko, Executive Producer at Cardinal Releasing.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with music documentary powerhouse, Cardinal Releasing. The breadth of their music catalogue speaks for itself, featuring the fully authorised stories of some of rock and blue’s most legendary artists, from Nat King Cole to B.B. King to Chuck Berry,” says Jessica Reilly, Head of Sales and Acquisitions at Espresso. “Cardinal have a proven track-record of delivering outstanding Music documentaries and we are excited to be debuting their two new remarkable projects, Rock’n’roll’s best kept secret, The Rock Prophet: Link Wray, and Electronic Dance Music and the life of a DJ, like you’ve never seen it before in Beyond the Decks. We are delighted to be bringing these ground-breaking documentaries to the international stage.”

“Cardinal has established an impressive catalogue of iconic music programming over two decades through the eyes of director Jon Brewer,” adds David Hooper, Espresso’s Managing Director. “We are very proud that Espresso can represent their catalogue and showcase their two new music projects, which we believe will be well received by linear TV and VOD platforms alike.”