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EXCLUSIVE: Critical Content has signed first-look deals with Warner Bros International Television Production Australia and Dubai’s Blue Engine Studios.
The deals form part of an international push that has already seen SK Global-owned Critical strike similar agreements with Korea’s Something Special, Singapore’s Refinery Media, ITV Studios France and Belgium’s Be-Entertainment.
Warner Bros International Television Production Australia, part of Warner Bros Discovery’s international production network, is the maker of the Down Under versions of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Impractical Jokers, The Celebrity Apprentice, The Masked Singer, Dancing with the Stars, Who Do You Think You Are? and Selling Houses Australia.
Blue Engine Studios, meanwhile, has produced extensively for the the Arab television market, including for emerging Arab OTT platforms, and is well versed in markets such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. Its original formats and compelling original series such as the recent Million Dollar Land.
U.S.-based Critical has been striking the international agreements this year as part of a push to land formats such as Catfish and Celebrity Game Face homes in new territories and find overseas shows that could come back to the States, as unscripted producers seek to navigate through a tough global market.
“The market is dictating partnerships more than ever,” said Critical CEO Jenny Daly. “We are building a community of companies all with incredible content creators and tremendous respect and reach in their regions. We are so excited to now align our creative with WBITVP Australia and Blue Engine Studios – they’re both phenomenal producers and leaders in their countries.”
Michael Brooks, WBITVP Australia’s Managing Director, said: “Critical Content has some of the most innovative new formats globally, and excellent relationships with some of the world’s most engaging talent. WBITVP Australia has a proven history of creating hit international formats with a distinctly Aussie flavour, and we’re excited about the prospect of expanding on that through our partnership with Critical Content.”
Brooks was recently appointed General Manager of Warner Bros Discovery Australia and New Zealand in addition to his WBITVP role.
This year, Critical has launched shows such as Sly for Netflix and Deadly Waters with Captain Lee for Oxygen. It is working on unannounced projects with the likes of Chrissy Teigen, Marlon Wayans and Tom Brady.
