BriteSpark Films, part of the Argonon group, has been commissioned by the CBS AMC Networks UK Channels Partnership, a joint venture between AMC Networks International UK and Paramount for the Europe market and Radial Entertainment for the US, to produce a brand-new true crime documentary series, When Death Comes Knocking (entitled Death Comes Knocking for Radial Entertainment).
The deal was brokered by Blue Ant Rights who distribute to the rest of the world.
The 10 x 60’ series tells the stories of ten standalone murder investigations across the US and UK, where in each episode, the suspect or key evidence was caught on doorbell or security camera. When Death Comes Knocking explores the circumstances leading up to the homicides and charts the subsequent investigations, with the footage providing critical clues to help catch the killer. The series takes a deep dive into the latest technology – including facial recognition, audio enhancement and behavioural analysis – that helped solve the cases, with the help of world-leading forensic audio and video experts. Interviews with the detectives leading the cases shed light on the twists and turns of each investigation, while insights from the victims’ friends and family add a deeply personal perspective.
Cases include the homicide of NBA star Andrei Emmett who was killed outside his home in Dallas, and 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was murdered just yards from his home when visiting a friend’s house in Wolverhampton, UK in a case of mistaken identity.
Nick Godwin, Executive Producer for BriteSpark Films said: “The rise of home surveillance is increasingly playing an important role worldwide in cracking complex murder investigations which may otherwise remain unsolved. Through the original footage and the testimony of police, forensic video experts and friends and family of the victims, this distinctive new true-crime series shines a light on ten cases across the UK and US where doorbell cams helped put the killers behind bars.”
Sam Rowden, VP, Content Group AMCNI UK said: “When Death Comes Knocking is the kind of distinctive factual programming that true crime audiences respond to, combining real footage and first-hand accounts from those closest to each case. The series will be available across our linear TRUE CRIME Channel, the WATCH FREE UK app, and TRUE CRIME UK via our partner platforms, ensuring viewers can engage wherever they choose. Working with BriteSpark Films, Radial Entertainment, and Blue Ant Rights allows us to deliver compelling production with the expertise needed to make this a standout addition to our factual portfolio.”
Jonitha Keymoore, SVP of Content Acquisitions Radial Entertainment said: “Audiences everywhere are fascinated by how technology is transforming crime-solving. Death Comes Knocking captures this shift by showing how doorbell and security cameras have become vital witnesses in today’s most complex murder investigations. The result is a series that reveals how cutting-edge forensic tools and surveillance footage are rewriting the rules of how modern criminal cases are being solved.”
When Death Comes Knocking is executive produced by Nick Godwin for BriteSpark Films, Sam Rowden and Jess Rampling for AMCNI UK with Alex Nikolic-Dunlop as series producer. The series is produced by BriteSpark Films, part of Argonon, for AMC International for Europe, and Radial Entertainment for the US. Blue Ant Rights brokered the deal with Radial Entertainment and are distributing for the rest of the world.
Jon Creamer
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