Global distribution rights acquired to proven programming

Independent international distribution company Lineup Industries has signed a major deal with RTL Nederland to represent global rights for a selection of its most successful formats.  Titles include high pressure cook-off Holland’s Top Chef, the fierce moves of the Ultimate Dance Battle, and two compelling reality series fronted by acclaimed Dutch investigative journalist John van den Heuvel – Abducted and Wanted. The latter two shows have already attracted international interest with RTL Nederland in talks with German broadcasters for both formats, and with US networks for Abducted.

Sven Sauvé, COO of RTL Nederland commented: “We have a catalogue of bold, entertaining and moving formats, and we are confident that they will achieve international success in the hands of Lineup Industries. This partnership gives our content global reach, allowing these formats to capture the attention of a worldwide audience.”

Ed Louwerse, co-founder of Lineup Industries said: “Our deal with RTL Nederland underscores our increasing position as a go-to distribution partner for companies seeking experienced global representation. These titles cross multiple in-demand genres while all combining considerable international potential with proven domestic success – forming a significant addition to our growing slate of quality IP.”

Holland’s Top Chef: The 12 Provinces is a stripped daily version of Holland’s Top Chef which has enjoyed four seasons since its launch in 2009. It sees amateurs go head to head in a fast-paced culinary competition, mentored by the professionals. The competition takes place over 12 weeks, visiting Michelin starred restaurants with chefs that focus on specific regional cooking styles, and sees the competitors preparing signature dishes from these restaurants using local specialities and ingredients. The series was well received, achieving a 40% above slot average rating on RTL5.

The Ultimate Dance Battle takes place over ten weeks, during which four dance teams coached by choreographers live together, dance together, and ultimately battle to be the best troupe. The emphasis is on reality, competition and professionalism, with each coach/choreographer building their team around their own sphere of expertise, but having to compete in their opponent’s genres – including hip hop, modern, and jazz. Each season is made up of six recorded episodes and four live battle episodes in weekly prime time. Also earning 40% increase on the average slot audience share for RTL5, the format will be showcased to the international market with Lineup Industries.

Ex-detective and investigative reporter John van den Heuvel tackles the difficult subject of families torn apart by international child abduction in Abducted, looking at cases where one parent has taken a child over the border without the consent of either the other parent or of the court.  The aim of the programme is to mediate and resolve the issues, first tracking down the missing family and then working to reconcile members through sensitively-led intervention. Following the relevant court proceedings the team will enrol the help of foreign ministries and the local police to find the kidnapped child or children. The format has been hugely successful in its home territory, with the audience share averaging 22.5%, doubling the slot performance in its first season and rising to 24% in the second – bringing 1.3 million viewers to RTL4. A third season is currently in production.

In Wanted, presenter van den Heuvel goes after criminals at large who have fallen through the cracks of an over-stretched justice system, hunting down violent offenders, paedophiles, crooks and at the request of their victims. With a team of ex-policemen tracking down the fugitive, the team present their evidence and court papers to the relevant authorities, with the aim of deporting the criminal to serve out their sentence the country where their crime was committed. Beating slot average in its first season with an average audience share of 21.7% on RTL 4, the hard-hitting series investigates fugitives in an attempt to bring them to justice, and also to expose the lives of criminals on the run.  RTL has also recently commissioned a second season for 2015.