Fremantle has secured a two-year, first-look deal with Nine Hours, the new production label set up by Oscar, BAFTA and Emmy-nominated director Edward Berger and partner Luke Rivett.

Having just secured 9 nominations for the 95th Academy Awards including Best Picture and a record 14 BAFTA nominations for feature film All Quiet on the Western Front, Berger is the director behind BAFTA Winner Patrick Melrose, Your Honor, The Terror and Fremantle series Deutschland 83.

The two-year deal will see Fremantle become the primary home for all of Nine Hours’ television projects as well as giving the global producer and distributor second look access to Berger’s new film pipeline. The new production company was launched by Berger and partner Luke Rivett (Corner Office, Berlin Station, The Tomorrow Man) with producer Jeanne Tremsal (So Long Daddy, See you in Hell).

The new partnership with Edward Berger was spearheaded by Fremantle’s Christian Vesper, who was recently promoted to CEO Global Drama, and Seb Shorr, Executive Vice President, Commercial & Business Affairs. Lorenzo De Maio assisted on the deal.

Edward Berger said: “Great drama comes from filmmakers who have an undeniable urge to tell their story. We intend to find and nourish these filmmakers in their endeavors to bring their grounded, intelligent and cinematic vision to the screen. We couldn’t have found a more exciting partner than Fremantle for this dream.”

Christian Vesper, CEO Global Drama, Fremantle, added: “We have long admired Edward’s talent and creative vision since working with him on the Emmy-nominated series Deutschland 83. We are honoured that he has chosen to partner with us as he launches his new label Nine Hours and at such a seminal moment in his career.”

Edward Berger is represented by Range Media Partners, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Ltd and Creative Artists Agency.