BBC Worldwide has concluded significant international sales for Australian indie Freehand's dazzling new factual series, Outback Wildlife Rescue.

 

The 13 x 30' series launched to international markets in February.  

 

Following strong interest, it has been licensed to UKTV (UK & Eire), free-to-air Channel 9 in Thailand, TVB in Hong Kong and Greek network Eidiseis.

 

The series was commissioned by Australia's Seven Network and has also been sold to TVNZ in New Zealand.

 

The series is filmed in the spectacular Northern Territory, home to a vast array of wildlife and a unique facility called Wildlife Rescue Darwin.

 

This non-profit organisation cares for thousands of sick, injured and orphaned animals every year. The ultimate aim: to rehabilitate the animals and to release them back into the wild.

 

"These sales are a testament to the huge potential of our investment in Freehand," Julie Dowding, BBC Worldwide Australasia's Head of Sales said today.

 

"We know this will be a very successful global property for us, and we look forward to closing more deals soon."

 

"We are delighted with the response Outback Wildlife Rescue has had in the market place to-date. We feel confident further sales will follow as a result of the activities at MIP and look forward to production on the second series later in 2008," added Chris O’Mara, Freehand's Commercial Director.

 

"Our international production partnerships are core to our future growth plans for our television businesses. This is a prime example of how local production expertise combined with our global sales network can foster productions with both domestic and international appeal," said Colin Jarvis, BBC Worldwide's Director of International Format Production.

 

BBC Worldwide took a 25% stake in Freehand in 2007, as a step in its strategy to become a leading international content producer in Australia.

 

 

Louise Alley

 

Notes to Editors:

FREEHAND was formed in 2004 and has since delivered an enviable television production catalogue of high-quality, high- profile content to Australian audiences.

 

FREEHAND's point of difference in the fiercely competitive television market lies in its valuable, hands-on industry experience that its principals bring to every project.

 

FREEHAND has a first view option on all BBC and independent formats to which BBC Worldwide has rights, for production in both Australia and New Zealand.

 

FREEHAND's formats are distributed through BBC Worldwide's vast global distribution network.

 

 

BBC Worldwide is at Stand G3.40 at the Palais des Festivals, Cannes.