The exclusive three-year deal, awarded following a competitive pitch, will see Target represent the international rights for all Sky's commissioned programming outside of the UK and the Irish republic. This includes over 150 hours of programming from Sky's back catalogue, including The Villa and Naked in Westminster , but also all current and upcoming original commissions.
Sky has no in-house distributor, as the satellite broadcaster uses a variety of distributors on an ad hoc basis. Target has represented programmes including Dream Team and Mile High.
As part of the deal, Target has also been tasked with strengthening Sky's brand and presence in the international markets through sales of both formats and completed shows.
Target Entertainment head of programming Ian Moffitt said the company would be working closely with Sky to forge an international strategy. "Sky's programming strategy is changing with more original commissions, so we will work closely with its team to reflect that. This is a good strategic alliance as we are also a relatively young company and are aligned with Sky's own profile."
Moffitt said he hoped to secure global interest for shows such as When Football Managers Go Mad but is expecting the majority of business to come from countries in northern Europe and the English-speaking Commonwealth.
The first available programmes will be launched at MipTV at the end of March, comprising factual-based shows and formats. These include 2 x 60-minute documentary Plastic Surgery Laid Bare , made by indie Scream Films, and 60-minute special Pamela Anderson Laid Bare, which takes a "warts and all" look at the American star.
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