FME Signs First Deals on “Merlin”

FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has signed its first deals on BBC One’s new prime time drama “Merlin.” 2entertain has won the North American home entertainment rights for the brand and Random House Children’s Books (RHCB) has signed for U.K. publishing rights ahead of the brands’ official launch at MIPCOM 2008 in October. 2entertain also holds home entertainment distribution rights to the brand in the U.K.

“Merlin” was created and produced by Shine Television. FME has invested in the series alongside Shine Television and BBC One, with the first series of 13 episodes to air on Saturday nights from later this month.

RHCB will begin a multi-format publishing program in autumn 2009 in the U.K., developing a range of dedicated tie-in titles including fiction and non-fiction as well as activity titles, audio and annuals.

FME holds the licensing, home entertainment (excluding U.K.) and distribution rights to “Merlin.” In addition to FME’s pre-sale to NBC (which will air “Merlin” prime-time Sunday evenings from winter 2009) it has also sold the show to CTV in Canada and Network Ten in Australia.