FLG Takes Licensing Rights for "H20-Just Add Water"

FremantleMedia Licensing Germany (FLG) has inked a deal with ZDF Enterprises for licensing rights to the teen format "H20-Just Add Water" in Eastern Europe.

"H2O-Just Add Water," produced by Jonathan M. Shiff productions in Australia, airs in over 120 territories on channels including France 2, RTI/Mediaset, Antena 3, Nickelodeon U.S., Nickelodeon U.K., Nickelodeon France, Nickelodeon Spain, Cartoon Network Latin America, Jetix Europe, ORF, YLE, NRK, KBS and TG4.

The storyline follows three teenage girls who stumble upon an ancient cavern and undergo a transformation to become mermaids with incredible powers. 

Merchandising deals are in negotiation in Bulgaria, Hungary, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Slovakia across a number of diverse categories from publishing to stationery.

FLG also has rights to off-air and on-air promotion, sponsorship, music (subject to third-party rights) and mobile content (excluding the television rights).

Meanwhile, the second series of BBC One drama "Merlin"—for which FME holds the licensing, home entertainment (excluding U.K.) and distribution rights—has been commissioned.

"Merlin" has sold to international broadcasters spanning 112 territories including recently closed deals in Germany with RTL, in France with Canal +, in South Africa with Mnet and in Japan with MICO.

FME invested in the series alongside Shine Television and BBC One. The CGI effects are created by The Mill.

The second series will begin filming next year on location in Wales and France.