Based in Amsterdam but with a global reach, Lineup Industries is an independent international distributor representing a catalogue of high-end factual and entertainment formats and derived IP. In representing its partners, which include European, US and Australian producers as well as content platforms such as NHK, NRK, NPO and VRT, Lineup Industries maximises the impact and sales potential of formats in the international market.

It has a successful track record in this space, licensing programming across the globe with broadcasters including ABC/Disney, ITV in the UK, NHK in Japan, Europe’s RTL Group, Sweden’s TV4 and Discovery International as well as channels in all major markets. Lineup Industries’ independent status allows it to work with indie producers as well as the local operations of multinational production groups and US studios.

Lineup Industries’ distinctive slate of content includes a raft of intimate human interest programming such as: long-running global hit factual format Long Lost Family; international Emmy-nominated Taboo, which explores and pushes the boundaries of comedy; and heart-warming community-focused Radio Gaga, which is winning fans in key markets including Japan where the show is in its third season on NHK. Alongside these is Emergency Call, a unique behind-the-scenes take on the blue lights genre, which Lineup guided from a late night second channel programme in Belgium to a prime time slot on a US network.

The company was founded by pre-eminent television executives Ed Louwerse and Julian Curtis who have wealth of experience in global distribution. Previously, Louwerse was Managing Director and SVP at Sony Pictures Television (SPT) and before this headed the international distribution division of Endemol. At SPT he was responsible for overseeing its international sales, including titles such as Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Dragon’s Den. As Director of International Sales at Endemol, he was responsible for the worldwide exploitation of the entire Endemol formats catalogue, including Big Brother and Deal or No Deal.

Prior to co-founding Lineup Industries with Louwerse, Curtis was at SPT where he oversaw all format sales in EMEA following a stint in Hong Kong building the Asian business of TV formats company 2waytraffic before it was acquired by SPT. He began his career in 1997 at start-up factual distributor Electric Sky where he looked after sales of an extensive documentary catalogue. On joining Endemol International in 2003, he set up the finished programme sales division selling shows like Fear Factor and Extreme Makeover Home Edition to well over 100 territories.

In 2016 leading independent Film & Television group Beta Film GmbH took a stake in Lineup Industries, forging a complementary distribution partnership between the companies. Beta Film, known for shows including Gomorrah, Sissi and Babylon Berlin, produces, finances and distributes high-end content for the global market. Its drama credentials align strategically with Lineup Industries’ global knowledge and extensive contacts in the non-scripted space.

Global corporate communication for Lineup Industries is handled by Liberi Consulting. Please contact aimee@libericonsulting.com