Underbelly proves too hot to handle - number one in every market it played
(press release 19 February 2008)

Portman Film & Television, part of the Digital Rights Group (DRG) can today announce record breaking ratings in Australia for the compelling dramatization Underbelly and a range of pre-sales for the show which it is distributing internationally. A 13 x 1 hour series, produced by Screentime for the Nine Network in association with the FFC, 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.  Portman Film & Television has already pre-sold the series to Viasat in Scandinavia and Superchannel in Canada and France.

The show, not aired in the state of Victoria due to a court order relating to an as yet un-named character going to trial at the end of next month, was, despite this, 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.  Indeed Underbelly was number one programme of the night for all people in all markets that it aired – Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth and proved must-see viewing with the audience staying for the entire broadcast.   Channel Nine are appealing the ban in what is in effect the state where all the killings took place and it is understood the case will be heard in 10 days.