Dublin-based Independent Pictures have scored option deals on their format 'ICA Bootcamp' - rebranded as ‘Granny Bootcamp’ by distributors DRG for a European audience - to Spain and France.
According to Managing Director Conor Moloney, the French deal was put in place in the intervening period between MIP TV and MIPCOM and the Spanish arrangement, with the Magnolia Group, was finalised at MIPCOM.
‘Part of the Magnolia deal was that they would produce a localised taster for the series which was shown to us at MIPCOM,’ Mr Moloney told IFTN. ‘They did an excellent job and have given the format the best possible chance of securing a commission in Spain.’
The concept for ‘ICA Bootcamp’ was originated by producer Sarah Barrow and ‘Ear to the Ground’ presenter Helen Carroll, who collaborated with Independent Pictures to create the factual entertainment format for RTÉ - which has so far spanned three series.
‘While the ICA is a very Irish organisation we always felt the idea had international potential. DRG also saw that and have run with it,’ Mr Moloney added.
Other Independent Pictures projects which have attracted international attention include ‘Taxi’ for RTÉ - which provides a different way of telling people's stories in the context of a big event such as the annual budget, a general election, Christmas or Valentine's Day.
The company is also putting the finishing touches to ‘The Give or Take Club’, a new factual entertainment format for RTÉ's Format Farm, scheduled to air in November.
Also in pre-production this November is ‘Doctor In The House’, a new factual entertainment series for TV3 - supported by BAI Sound & Vision II funding.
‘This format has also attracted interest from distributors and we are confident of securing a distribution deal once we have the series produced. This is our first production for TV3 and we are really looking forward to working with Owen McCardle and Jeff Ford,’ Mr Moloney said.
Independent Pictures is also working on the 21st season of ‘Ear to The Ground’, which begins a new run on RTÉ One next month.
