MUMBAI:  Digital Rights Group (DRG) has signed an exclusive development deal with Absolutely Productions, the independent production company owned by a group of the UK’s comedy and drama writers, performers and producers.

The three-year deal will see the two companies focus on sourcing, developing and producing comedy and comedy-drama content and also seeking potential co-production opportunities with production companies and talent in the UK. The resulting programming will be distributed internationally by DRG under the Portman Film & Television banner.

DRG head Acquisitions and Development for Portman Film & Television Anke Stoll said, "The team at Absolutely Productions boasts some of the UK’s top talent, both in front of and behind the camera, with vast expertise and knowledge gathered over many years in the industry. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine our expertise in the international programming marketplace to recognise and nurture projects that have the potential to prove a hit with audiences and critics alike."

Absolutely Productions’ Gordon Kennedy added, "DRG’s commitment to delivering original programming for international audiences combined with their flexible and independent approach to content development is a perfect match with our ethos at Absolutely. We are confident that this deal will result in a wealth of opportunities for all."

New shows emerging from this deal will sit within the Portman Film & Television catalogue which features international programming including the primetime comedy drama series Kingdom, starring Stephen Fry, which attracts more than 5 million UK viewers; Mumbai Calling, from the award-winning producer Allan McKeown and Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes, which regularly achieves an average 40% share of UK audiences.