Fresh off of agreeing a deal with A+E Networks International for 19th century female detective drama Miss Scarlet And The Duke, UKTV’s Alibi channel has also acquired The Gulf. The New Zealand-set drama is distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.
Alibi has acquired The Gulf as a 3 x 90’ series (it was also available as 6 x 60’). The deal between UKTV and Banijay Rights was brokered by Banijay Rights’ Commercial Directot – Scripted Chris Stewart and UKTV’s Acquisitions Manager Daniel Thomas. It will premiere on Alibi in spring 2020.
The Gulf follows the moral disintegration of Detective Jess Savage, who finds herself caught between upholding the legal justice system and morality, as she investigates crimes on her home patch of Waiheke Island, New Zealand. It is set up as an international co-production between Banijay Group’s Screentime New Zealand, Lippy Pictures, Letterbox Filmproduktion, and broadcasters ZDF and TV3.
“We are really pleased to have acquired this exciting new thriller for Alibi as we continue to include the very best of international crime drama in our schedule”, UKTV’s Acquisitions Manager Daniel Thomas said in a statement. “Our viewers are extremely discerning and The Gulf, with its unique take on a crime story set against the incredible backdrop of New Zealand, will have wide appeal.”
While Chris Stewart, Commercial Director – Scripted at Banijay Rights, added: “We are delighted that UKTV will be bringing this absorbing and original antipodean series to a UK audience where I’m sure it will engage a new legion of drama fans looking for their next crime fix. The Gulf, co-produced by Banijay Group’s Screentime New Zealand, has launched in New Zealand and in Germany to much acclaim and is proving to be a very desirable drama property for us with further sales already in the pipeline.”
