MY FAMILY Moves To Russia
Cannes. 7 April 2014. Independent distributor DLT Raydar has inked its first scripted format deal in Russia for a local version of its hit UK sitcom My Family.
Leading Russian broadcaster CTC Channel has commissioned an initial pilot of the multi-award winning sitcom with local production company Art Pictures Vision on board to adapt the show for the local market. Original producers DLT Entertainment will also consult on the project.
My Family is on offer to international broadcasters at this year’s MIPTV market as a scripted format through DLT Raydar Rights LLP (DLTRaydar), the joint venture with producers DLT Entertainment and Raydar Media. BBC Worldwide and DLT Raydar jointly handle finished programme sales.
Don Taffner Jr, Chairman of DLT Entertainment and DLT Raydar said: “Russia is a fertile market for scripted format adaptations and I am delighted that DLT Raydar has concluded its first format deal in the territory. My Family lends itself perfectly to local adaptation with TV audiences all over the world having experienced the highs, lows, quirky characters and amusing incidents within the family dynamic. We can’t wait to get started on the Russian version with CTC and Art Pictures Vision and seeing Ben’s Russian incarnation!”
My Family led the way in sitcom writing by uniting a team of British and American writers to huge critical acclaim. The long-running series consistently achieved huge audiences throughout its 11 series run on BBC One in the UK and became one of the broadcaster’s most successful sitcoms.
The series focuses on the life of Ben Harper, a moderately successful family man and dentist. He is also undergoing a mid-life crisis whilst trying to cope with the bizarre and bewildering reality of raising his three, very different, teenage children.
Vyacheslav Murugov, Chief Content Officer CTC said: “Sitcoms form the core of CTC prime-time broadcasting. In addition to production of original ideas, we also make adaptations of the best international series. My Family is one of the most successful British sitcoms, and conceptually it suits the audience of CTC.”
My Family has already achieved a loyal global fan base with finished programme deals already concluded in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Dubai, Eire, Estonia, Finland, France, Holland, Iceland, Israel, Kenya, Kuwait, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal and US.
Other titles on offer to international broadcasters at MIPTV this year include Reggie Yates: Extreme South Africa, How To Find The Perfect Flatmate and Mouse and Mole at Christmas?.
DLT/Raydar are located at R7.C34 and executives attending include: Don Taffner Jr, Alison Rayson, Greg Rocco, Chris Rayson and Shane Lowe.
DLT/Raydar is a joint venture between Alison Rayson’s newly formed rights management company Raydar Media and independent producer/distributor DLT Entertainment Ltd.
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DLT/Raydar Rights LLP
DLT/Raydar Rights LLP is an independent distributor selling finished programmes and formats across all genres, including comedy, children’s, drama and reality. Programmes on the slate include hit sitcom My Family as well as factual documentary Flatmates and Children’s title Olive the Ostrich. DLT/Raydar is the exclusive worldwide distributor of finished programmes and formats for DLT Entertainment Ltd (excl the US and UK) and Raydar Media as well as third party producers and suppliers. The board of directors of DLT/Raydar Media includes Don Taffner Jr, President DLT Entertainment, as Chairman, Alison Rayson, CEO of DLT/Raydar Rights and Raydar Media, and Jeff Cotugno, Chief Operating Officer DLT Entertainment.
About DLT Entertainment
With offices in London, New York and Los Angeles, DLT Entertainment Ltd. is engaged in every aspect of television distribution and production around the world, as well as stage production in the US and in the UK.
Founded in 1963 as a distribution company by Don Taffner Senior, the company added television production to its portfolio in 1977. DLT Entertainment has enjoyed terrific success over the last forty plus years with legendary hits including the multiple award-winning sitcom My Family, As Time Goes By, Three’s Company, Too Close For Comfort and Meet My Folks. In addition DLT has built a reputation as a leading distribution company with classics such as The Benny Hill Show, The World at War, The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Cinema Europe: The Other Hollywood and The Russ Abbot Show.