Arait Multimedia, one of the leading international content distributors, acquired exclusive rights for NTV action-packed drama ‘Countdown’ for Vietnam. “NTV’s content is already available on different Asian platforms. So, the deal with Arait Multimedia is an appropriate move to further advance NTV’s international distribution strategy. Interest for NTV’s content on these territories proves that our projects are universally appealing in terms of production values and genre.” said Timur Weinstein, NTV’s General Producer.
“Countdown” is a procedural with mystical elements about a special police unit charged with preventing vigilante crimes. Shown through a borderline state of a character involved, “Countdown” takes the audience from the criminal act committed to avenge a murder to its very beginning. Special 7th Police Unit investigates crimes and they must also find a way to prevent the retaliation. While they unravel the first crime, the public watch – in parallel – the victim or someone involved in the incident plots the revenge. The star of the series – Yury Kolokolnikov has also starred in “Game of Thrones” and won the affection of international audiences.
At the same time, Lagardere Studios Distribution has acquired the worldwide distribution rights for the NTV hit series “Five Minutes of Silence’. The company has licensed 2 Seasons - 22 episodes - of the show. This is a first time deal between the leading Russian commercial broadcaster and the renowned French company and the deal covers multiple territories and includes both ready-made and format rights.
Timur Weinstein commented: “The deal manifests a great step into the international markets, and, most importantly, into French TV space, which has proven to be quite challenging for Russian content. We’re very excited that our hit series is now represented by such market leader as Lagardere Studios Distribution. We hope this is a beginning of a successful, productive partnership between our two great companies that will open European markets for NTV shows.”
“Five Minutes of Silence” is one of the most successful shows created by NTV. Action series’ title refers to the 900 Code – Radio Silence for emergency responders that need to find victims trapped underground. It tells a story of a young man who, as a member of an emergency response team, risks his life to save others and gets transformed from a spoiled brat into a real hero, won the viewers hearts and minds all over Russia. Both seasons scored over 14% average viewing share. The audience loved the adventure-packed episodes about rescue missions conducted in a small border town and the unique appeal of this dynamic, family friendly, and original drama. The series has just the right mix of strong personalities, stunts invented on the go and beautiful nature scenes to become a very successful international hit and a great format.
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