Channel 4-backed independent production company Spirit Studios has announced a partnership with distributor and channel owner Quintus Studios to expand its Outsmarting YouTube series into a long form linear TV series and podcast.
Originally a 10 x 10’ series for C4, Outsmarting is being reimagined as Outsmarting Evil, a 6 x 60’ series that tells the stories of ordinary people who managed to defy the odds and escape the clutches of dangerous, manipulative, and toxic individuals.
Quintus Studios has acquired the global linear distribution rights and digital rights for the Outsmarting Evil series. As part of the deal, the series will play across its channels which include Free Documentary (5 million subscribers on YouTube).
Each episode of Outsmarting Evil begins with the pivotal moment when a survivor turns the tables on their assailant. Through in-depth interviews, survivors recount their harrowing journeys, starting with an initial deception or capture by serial killers, murderers, human traffickers, trolls and stalkers. The series then provides insights from experts who analyse the predatory behaviour on display, offering viewers tips on how to protect themselves and recognise red flags as early as possible.
“At Spirit, our strategy is to exploit IP in as many ways as possible in order to create brands that can entertain different audiences on different platforms,” says Matt Campion, creative director and co-founder of Spirit Studios. “Our ambition was always to tell these stories in a long form format and we originally shot the footage to achieve this. We’re delighted to partner with Quintus Studios on this exciting project.”
Adam Jacobs, creative director at Quintus Studios, added: “You have to be nimble in this current climate, so when the opportunity arose to produce a long-form version of Outsmarting, we acted quickly to make it happen. It’s a pleasure to be working with the Spirit Studios team on a project that we’re confident will be a success.”
Prior to Outsmarting Evil, Spirit Studios and Quintus Studios partnered on another true crime project Missing Presumed Dead with A+E Networks EMEA.
