ITV Studios has become the exclusive global distribution partner for VICE Studios, a deal that adds nearly 2,000 hours of content to its existing 90,000+ hour catalogue. The partnership, announced to coincide with the London TV Screenings, also includes participation in future VICE Studios produced content.
As part of the deal, ITV Studios’ digital division Zoo 55 will play a key role in exploiting VICE’s catalogue and brands in both the digital space and FAST channels across social media as well as connected tv platforms. Zoo 55’s chief operating officer Graham Haigh participated in negotiations on behalf of ITV Studios.
ITV Studios has 150+ channels in the social space delivering over 10bn views in 2024, as well as 20 FAST channels on 100+ channel feeds. Ruth Berry, president global partnerships and Zoo 55 (pictured), said, “Adding VICE’s catalogue to our distribution portfolio and managing their brands in digital exploitation and FAST represents a rare opportunity to strengthen both our content pipeline and digital footprint.”
In a separate London Screenings announcement, ITV Studios revealed that it is pitching a format that began life in digital media to its clients. A Renaissance Studios production for Channel 4 and Channel 4.0, Dating Pool sees a celebrity ‘Driver’ pick up a ‘Dater’ looking for love. During the journey, the ‘Dater’ is joined by three ‘Riders’ for speed dates on the road. The ‘Driver’ is there to keep the conversation flowing.
Dating Pool came into existence via Channel 4’s social pilots scheme, initially as a three-part digital series and E4 one-off. At the time, Channel 4’s head of entertainment and events, Phil Harris (who left in October 2023) said: “Our social pilots were commissioned as part of our drive to grow new titles and talent outside of traditional linear slots and to test new and original ideas with younger audiences wherever they consume content. The performance has been heartening and we are delighted that commissioning in this way is leading to new ideas from great indies.”
