All the latest news from the global content industry on Tuesday, 1 July

 

Oslo Company, Sputnik join Euro support group   

Thirtyfour Media, the European indie support group launched by former Banijay exec Joris Gijsbertse, has added two new partners to its fold.

Norway’s The Oslo Company and Sputnik Media in Belgium will now be able to collaborate with other members including founding companies Constantin Entertainment (Germany), NewBe (Netherlands), Laud People (Denmark) and Constantin Entertainment Polska (Poland).

The Oslo Company, which was founded in 2016 by Christian Steen and Trond Kvernstrøm, produces across genres and counts Home for Christmas (Netflix) and The Culinary Camp (Viaplay) among its slate.

Sputnik Media, founded in 2001, operates across the Benelux and also operates across genres, with shows such as Prank Squad (VRT MAX), In Shape (VRT) and Paranormal (Streamz).

Thirtyfour Media has the backing of advisors including former Endemol Shine execs Tanja van der Goes, Boudewijn Beusmans and, recent addition, former Sony exec Sarah Edwards.

 

Netflix launches NASA+ deal

Netflix has struck a deal that will see it offering live programming from US space agency NASA+ on its service.

Live shows from NASA+, which is a free-to-access streamer, offers coverage of rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, mission coverage and live views of Earth from the International Space Station.

“The National Aeronautics and our Space Act of 1958 calls on us to share our story of space exploration with the broadest possible audience,” said Rebecca Sirmons, general manager of NASA+.

“Together, we’re committed to a golden age of innovation and exploration - inspiring new generations - right from the comfort of their couch or in the palm of their hand from their phone.”

 

ITV orders from Stephenson’s Poison Pen

Ben Stephenson’s Poison Pen has landed its second ITV order with a serial killer thriller based in the wilds of Scotland.

Adapted from GR Halliday’s debut novel From The Shadows, six-part The Dark introduces audiences to detective Monica Kennedy as she tries to catch a serial killer, after the body of a young man is found eerily staged in the Scottish wilderness.

The series will be adapted by Matt Hartley, who exec produces with Stephenson, Preethi Mavahalli, Luke Woellhaf and Fern McCauley, with Matt Brown producing.

Lena Rae and Nessah Muthy will also write, while Gilles Bannier is lead director and executive producer.

The Dark commences filming in and around Glasgow later this year and is produced in association with ITV Studios who will distribute the series internationally. Poison Pen is part of ITV Studios. Read more

 

Wellness SVOD Gaia ups Sony alum to CEO

US-based wellness streamer Gaia has appointed former Sony exec Kiersten Medvedich as the company’s first female chief executive officer.

Medvedich, who has been with the company since 2016, was most recently Gaia’s president and will continue reporting to the streamer’s founder and executive chairman Jirka Rysavy in her new role.

She will lead day-to-day operations and develop AI tools to personalise member viewing experiences, with Gaia’s first community interaction platform soon to launch.

Gaia offers more than 10,000 titles across wellness, health and spirituality genres, with original programming in the works.