Deals for “select additional territories” on the series, handled internationally by Fremantle, are still to be announced, Starz said.
Adapted from the first two Dublin Murder Squad crime novels by American-Irish author Tana French, the series was originally commissioned by BBC One and is also set to air on Ireland’s national public service network RTÉ, with support from Northern Ireland Screen.
Sarah Phelps is creator and writer of the series, in which Killian Scott and Sarah Greene lead a predominantly Irish cast.
The series is produced by Euston Films, Veritas Entertainment Group and Element Pictures, and the executive producer roster includes Sarah Phelps and Saul Dibb, Kate Harwood and Noemi Spanos for Euston, Alan Gasmer and Peter Jaysen for Veritas, Ed Guiney for Element, and Elizabeth Kilgarriff for the BBC.
Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht commented: “This series is brilliantly adapted by Sarah Phelps, who in blending the first two novels has constructed a complex and enigmatic world for this suspense-filled drama. We look forward to bringing viewers along on this intense ride.”
Caroline Kusser, senior vice-president, distribution US, international at Fremantle, added: “Starz is the perfect home for Dublin Murders and we are thrilled to be partnering with Starz to showcase this brilliant psychological drama from Euston Films, Veritas Entertainment Group and Element Pictures.”
Her new post will be to build FMI’s brand in the region and to maximize opportunities for the company’s 22,000 hours of content across linear, digital and home entertainment platforms. Fremantle licenses such series as the upcoming The Young Pope (whose producer, Wildside, was recently acquired by FremantleMedia); the Got Talent and X-Factorformats;
Kusser’s other previous positions include having set up content distribution service Carokusser, whose clients included ZDF Enterprises. She was part of the Red Arrow International team for 10 years, relocating to LA in 2011 to establish the group’s U.S. business. Before that, she held roles at Bavaria Media Television, peppermint and Beta Film in Germany.
Honig said, “Caroline’s vast experience, pivotal drama distribution knowledge and exceptional relationships in the U.S. will play an important part in FMI’s U.S. expansion strategy and push into high-end drama. With teams in both New York and LA, a well-established history of sales across multiple genres and long-standing client relationships, we’re in a good position to take our business up to the next level and Caroline’s understanding of this key market will help us to achieve further success.”
Kusser added, “It’s a really exciting time for FMI. I’m looking forward to joining its U.S. team and helping to further enhance its reputation across the region.”