Tuesday round-up: Latest news, deals & hires

High & Low gets remake in Thailand

Nippon TV’s action-drama series High & Low is to be adapted in Thailand by producers GMMTV and Parbdee Tawesuk.

The series, originally produced by Nippon TV and LDH Japan’s joint venture HI-AX, will bek known locally as High & Low: Born To Be High, and will air in 2027.

It marks the show’s first remake and comes a decade after the original debuted on Nippon TV. The story tracks youths who rise-up to defend their convictions, spawning multiple films, other series and live events.

Thailand’s version will feature stars including Nanon (aka Korapat Kirdpan), Sky (aka Wongravee Nateetorn), Nani (aka Hirunkit Changkham), and Pond (aka Naravit Lertratkosum).

French reality format primed for Denmark

Prime Video is preparing to debut a Danish adaptation of French reality format La Villa des Cœurs Brisés.

The reboot - to be known as Villa of Broken Hearts - is from Fremantle’s Danish label BLU and based on the format originally created by Satisfaction Group’s Ah Productions in 2016.

It will debut on Prime Video in Denmark on 26 November and follows celebrity singletons as they attempt to find love.

The original has run for 10 seasons with an 11th in the works for Tf1 and TF1+. The format is in development in 10 territories.

Global Constellation lands German drama

European distributor Global Constellation has picked up sales rights to fantasy drama series All Heroes Are Bastards.

The 6 x 40-minute show is produced by Picture Me Rollin and Bildundtonfabrik for ARD Degeto Film in Germany.

The series, written and directed by Esra and Patrick Phul, is set in a radically divided Cologne and follows three unlikely herores who gain superpowers that they use to save children who are being split from their parents.

Global Constellation was formed earlier this year following the merger between Film Constellation and Munich’s Global Screen. It is part of Vuelta.

Paramount dramas land in UK

UKTV has secured the UK broadcast premiere of NCIS: Sydney as part of a trio of Paramount US dramas.

Both series of NCIS: Sydney have been acquired for UKTV channel U&Alibi, while U&W has taken all seven series of NCIS: New Orleans. Five series of SEAL Team will be available on UKTV’s free streaming service U.

The trio of CBS Studios-produced titles are the latest to head to the UK broadcaster in deals brokered with Paramount Global Content Distribution by Sophie Judge and Harriet Armston-Clarke, senior global acquisitions managers for UKTV and BBC Studios.

The deals were overseen by Matt Downer, Paramount Global Content Distribution’s senior vice-president for regional TV licensing, and Carlos Mata, vice-president for regional tv licensing. Read more

Astro buys Up Studios animation

Distributor Vision Plus Entertainment has struck a deal with Astro for Up Studios’ animated property Super BOOMi.

The Malaysian media and entertainment company has acquired exclusive rights to the CG-animated cartoon series - which follows a cute bear who is also a tech genius - for its TV and digital platforms.

It also has toy licensing and merchandising deals for the property in the territory. Super BOOMi launched in Hong Kong on Viu TV this year, followed by Singapore’s MediaCorp.