Underbelly inks international deal

A few months ago I told you Underbelly had stitched up UK Distributor Portman Film & Television to represent it internationally.

Now Portman has joined with Fox International to screen the hit drama in UK, Italy, the Balkans, Korea, Pan-Asia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa and Turkey.

CEO David Gyngell, said: “This deal is testament to the incredible production quality of Underbelly. To say we are pleased is an understatement – we are delighted that the series will gain international audiences and global recognition.”

Portman has previously represented Sea Patrol and has Canal Road under license too.

The irony of Underbelly screening international is all the more stark given it can’t air legally in its home city. Meanwhile DVD box sets of the drama will retail around the rest of the country next month. The case that triggered the Victorian ban is currently underway.

Oddly, Canada is not on the list despite earlier talk of pre-sales in that territory. The drama would undoubtedly find a good cable audience following in Italy. No word if it will screen in Greece where Tony Mokbel could watch it in his prison cell.

Press Release:

The Nine Network today announced that its compelling and controversial Australian drama series, Underbelly, is set for broadcast throughout the world.

Through a deal concluded with Fox International Channels and UK based distributor Portman Film & Television, the 13 one hour episode series produced by Screentime for the Nine Network, will broadcast across the majority of Fox International Channel feeds including the UK , Italy, Balkans , Korea , Pan-Asia , Portugal , Russia , South Africa and Turkey .

The Nine Network’s Chief Executive Officer, David Gyngell, said: “This deal is testament to the incredible production quality of Underbelly. To say we are pleased is an understatement – we are delighted that the series will gain international audiences and global recognition.”

Head of Drama for the Nine Network, Jo Horsburgh, said: “Underbelly has been a terrific creative challenge and we are hugely proud of this outcome.”

Underbelly reveals the story behind Melbourne ’s infamous gangland killings – a ten year war between rival factions of the city’s criminal underworld that shocked Australia . It’s recent broadcast in Australia was the most successful Australian drama launch in Sydney and nationally in the 25-54 year old demographic since the OzTam ratings system was introduced. Underbelly was also the number one program on its premiere night for all people in all the markets that it aired – Sydney , Brisbane , Adelaide and Perth . (The program was not shown in Victoria due to a court order suppressing its broadcast in that state.)