C4 partners with GSN to launch new foreign-language drama service

9 June 2015

Image: Blue Eyes – ten-part political thriller from Swedish broadcaster SVT1

A new TV service showcasing the very best foreign-language drama series from around the world is to launch free and on-demand to all UK viewers this autumn with the backing of Channel 4.

The new on-demand service, which has the working title 4World Drama, will be exclusively available in the UK via Channel 4’s new digital hub, All 4, which recently replaced 4oD.

The launch will capitalise on the growing demand for premium foreign-language drama from British viewers and the wide range of high quality international drama that has not yet been broadcast in the UK. More than 500 hours of drama will be exclusively available for box-set viewing on All 4, supported by advertising and sponsorship to be sold by Channel 4.

A selection of the best series from 4World Drama’s line-up will also be premiered on Channel 4’s free-to-air channel, More 4, within a dedicated slot.

The 4World Drama video-on-demand service is being launched in the UK through an exclusive partnership between Channel 4 and Global Series Network, founded and managed by Jason Thorp, Walter Iuzzolino and Jo McGrath. The two parties plan to rollout World Drama in a number of other TV markets.

Announcing the launch of the new service, Channel 4 Chief Executive, David Abraham, said: “We’ve seen from the response to titles like The Returned on Channel 4 that there’s a real appetite for quality international drama from UK viewers – but only a small selection of foreign-language series have been able to get a UK broadcast partner. This new service will be a fantastic showcase for creative talent around the world and an innovative addition to All 4.”

Global Series Network’s Walter Iuzzolino said: “4World Drama is a heavily curated service bringing together the very best scripted content from around the world, offering viewers an outstanding selection of must-see series – from Czech political thrillers to Belgian murder capers, Argentine family sagas to German cold war pieces… the most exciting storytelling in the world is finally coming together in one place.”

ENDS

 

About Global Series Network:

Global Series Network is an independent company set up by Jason Thorp, Walter Iuzzolino and Jo McGrath, with financial backing from Channel 4 in the UK, to serve as the parent company to independent video-on-demand service, World Drama. World Drama, which will launch initially in the UK in autumn 2015, provides a one stop shop for the best quality non-U.S./UK drama series from all over the globe. It will be rolled out globally with various partners.

 

JASON THORP

Jason headed up the Fox International Channels business in the UK (Fox, National Geographic) over the past ten years and most recently oversaw European content development as EVP Content Europe. Jason has 25 years' experience in broadcasting with the likes of Universal Studios, ITV, Fox and Viasat.

 

WALTER IUZZOLINO

With a background as broadcast commissioner responsible for generating a wide range of primetime factual series for Channel 4, Walter spent the past four years as Creative Director of Discovery owned production company Betty.

 

JO McGRATH

An experienced producer and broadcast commissioner responsible for developing global hits for the UK and international markets, Jo has spent the last year as Head of Production for Fox International Europe. As Head of Factual and Features at Tiger Aspect Productions she was responsible for creating programmes for all major UK broadcasters.