Spirit Studios, A+E Networks EMEA and Quintus Studios to co-produce "Missing, Presumed Dead"

Prodco Spirit Studios sealed a co-production agreement with A+E Networks EMEA and international factual content business and channel owner Quintus Studios to create the premium true-crime series "Missing, Presumed Dead" (10x60’) based on incredible missing persons cases.

Close to 200,000 in the UK are reported missing every year - numbers that are thought to be a significant underestimate. Recounted through a combination of stylised, cinematically shot interviews with the missing person, their family and friends, experts in abduction, identity fraud and survival techniques, "Missing, Presumed Dead" will take viewers inside the experiences and how and why they returned to their families.

A+E Networks EMEA will broadcast the series on Crime+Investigation in the UK, Benelux, CEE, Greece and Middle East & Sky Crime in Italy and Quintus Studios will distribute the series in the world outside the UK. The show was pre-ordered by Kelly Hornsby, Head of Programme Acquisitions at A+E Networks EMEA. Executive producers for “Missing, Presumed Dead” are Dan Korn and Di Carterfor A&E EMEA, Adam Jacobs for Quintus Studios, and Matt Campion and Martin Sadowski for Spirit Studios.

"We're thrilled to collaborate with A&E Networks EMEA and Spirit Studios. 'Missing, Presumed Dead' offers gripping storytelling of real disappearances and rediscoveries, featuring unique perspectives through interviews with the missing individuals and their loved ones. Spirit Studios' innovative storytelling aligns perfectly with Quintus Studios channels and catalogue the series has vast potential for global viewership” said Anouk van Dijk, Head of Sales & Co-Productions at Quintus Studios.

Dan Korn, VP of Programming at A+E Networks EMEA, said: ‘’We have all heard of the infamous cases of child abduction, such as Elizabeth Smart and Natasha Kampusch, in which the victims were forced to endure a living hell for years before being reunited with their families. Missing, Presumed Dead focuses on those cases which might not be so well known but which are every bit as harrowing and does so from the unique perspective of the abductee, their agonised families and the investigators”.

Matt Campion, Creative Director of Spirit Studios said, “It’s about time we had a true crime show with a happy ending! We're thrilled to be partnering with Quintus and A+E Networks EMEA to make 'Missing, Presumed Dead', and share a real commitment to honour the stories of those who vanished without a trace and to celebrate the human spirit and incredible resilience that led to their rediscovery. This is a series about the harrowing journeys of those who defied the odds and survived to tell the tale, and those who did everything they could to find them”.