Fox go for Underbelly
(press release 7 April 2008)

The compelling dramatization Underbelly is set for broadcast throughout the world via a deal concluded with Fox International Channels and UK based distributor Portman Film & Television, part of the Digital Rights Group (DRG), it was announced today. In a deal negotiated by Chris Bartlett, Head of Television Sales, Portman Film & Television and Jason Simms, VP Global Acquisitions, Fox International Channels, the 13 x 1 hour series, produced by Screentime for the Nine Network in association with the FFC, will broadcast on Fox branded channels across more than 50 countries (territories include UK, Italy, Balkans, Korea, Portugal, Russia, Turkey and Pan Asia).

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Underbelly tells the story behind Melbourne's infamous gangland killings - a ten year war between rival factions of the city's criminal underworld that shocked Australia.  It is currently screening in Australia where it is beating ratings records in all of the markets it is playing - it is not playing in Victoria (Melbourne) as a result of a court ruling that it would be prejudicial to a current murder trial featuring an Underbelly character.  It's recent broadcast in Australia was the most successful Australian drama launch in the Sydney region and nationally in the 25-54 year old demographic since the OzTam ratings system was introduced and was number one programme of the night for all people in all the markets that it aired - Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.