Doc Martin to open Spanish surgery
- Published: 29 July 2008 12:28
- Author: Michael Rosser
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- Last Updated: 29 July 2008 17:32
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Hit ITV1 drama Doc Martin is getting the remake treatment in Spain and has been recommissioned in both Germany and the UK.
Antena 3, Spain's biggest commercial terrestrial, has acquired all 23 scripts of the show and has negotiated an option on further series. The deal was made with distributor Portman Film & Television, part of the Digital Rights Group.
An initial run of eight episodes will be made by Spanish production company Notro Films, filmed on location in Asturias, northern Spain, with Gonzalo de Castro (star of Telecinco's long-running sitcom 7 Vidas) in the lead role. It will air in a primetime slot later this year. A title has yet to be confirmed.
The deal was brokered by Ignacio Jimenez Gargantilla of Antena 3 and Anke Stoll, head of acquisitions and co-productions at Portman.
Earlier this year, Antena 3 acquired the rights to BBC cop drama Life on Mars, and a local version is due to air in primetime next year.
Doc Martin's Spanish remake follows the success of a German version of the show. The first series of Doktor Martin performed well in its primetime slot on public broadcaster ZDF and a second run has been commissioned for broadcast next spring. Berlin-based Phoenix Film and Television will film on location in the German village of Neuharlingersiel on the North Sea.
Martin Clunes plays the fractious GP in the original UK series, following his antics that cause mayhem in the small fictitious community of Portwenn. Produced by Buffalo Pictures in association with Homerun Productions, filming will commence on a fourth series in September for broadcast in 2009.
The series is produced by Philippa Braithwaite, executive produced by Mark Crowdy and directed by Ben Bolt.
Chris Bartlett, head of TV sales at Portman said: "Drama programming from the UK is in demand at the moment and international buyers are increasingly keen to acquire scripted changed formats for local production."
The original UK version has now aired in approximately 100 territories including Australia, Canada, Italy, Russia and Scandinavia.
