Drive secures multiples sales of Bettany Hughes Greek Island series worldwide
Leading independent distributor announces 11 acquisitions from global broadcasters including Smithsonian Channel™ in the US
(12th November 2020 - London) Drive, the funding, sales and distribution business, today announces almost a dozen acquisitions of documentary series ‘Greek Island Odyssey with Bettany Hughes’ to broadcasters worldwide, including Smithsonian Channel™ in the US.
Produced by Sandstone Global Productions for Channel 5 in the UK, the 6 x 60’ series follows historian and classicist Bettany Hughes as she embarks on an extraordinary journey of a lifetime to unpack the history, new archeological discoveries and myths and legends of the Greek islands.
Set amidst a stunning landscape, this gripping adventure sees Bettany sail between the Greek islands to retrace the footsteps of Ancient Greek heroes such as Odysseus, with exclusive access to live archaeological digs uncovering bronze age warriors and virgin sacrifices.
Drive has also secured the sale of the series to Spanish broadcasters Movistar and TVE via sales agent Devised, Canadian channels Knowledge Network and TVO, HRT in Croatia, COSMOTE History in Greece and Sky Italia via sales agent Full Board Media.
These deals follow Drive’s previous sales to NRK in Norway, SBS in Australia and Home Entertainment publisher Dazzler Media.
Ben Barrett, Drive co-MD, said: “This extraordinary island-hopping odyssey led by renowned historian Bettany Hughes has proved the be a perfect antidote to the lockdowns and travel restrictions that have sadly affected us all. We are delighted to see such a strong interest for this title, and we hope that viewers worldwide find this form of armchair travel the next best thing to being able to do it themselves.”
Since its launch by co-founders Lilla Hurst and Ben Barrett 7 years ago, Drive has become a leader in securing sales, funding and providing consultancy for a portfolio of production company clients including Oxford Films, October Films, Blink, yap films, Raw TV, Back2Back Productions and Lightbox.
About Drive
Drive works with producers and broadcasters to help get content funded and produced. Originally founded by Ben Barrett and Lilla Hurst in 2013 to facilitate co-production and funding for TV projects, Drive is now a global 360-degree funding, sales and distribution business. The company offers a full range of commercial services from development and financing through to rights exploitation and specific project management. http://drive-tv.co.uk/
