Tern, part of Zinc Media Group has embarked on its first collaboration with UK-based factual distributor Orange Smarty, which will represent Tern’s new ten-part health consumer series, commissioned for BBC One.
Made by Tern Belfast, Dr Xand’s Con or Cure (10 x 45 mins) sees Dr Xand van Tulleken and journalist Ashley John-Baptiste scouring the country to expose medical quacks, examine false news, explain topical health issues and showcase extraordinary cases.
The series builds on Tern’s growing portfolio of both daytime and magazine programmes and its work with high-profile talent.
Brendan Hughes, Head of Tern Belfast, says: “In Con or Cure we will explore the latest health stories, explore what’s real and what’s not, expose shocking practices and scammers and ask the sort of questions we all ask – ‘Do I really need 8 hours sleep?’
“The series considers health issues that resonate the world over. We know that the team at Orange Smarty has the expertise to help this series reach new territories and a wider global audience. We hope this collaboration is the first of many.”
Stella Briley, Head of Acquisitions, Orange Smarty, adds: “As an independent distributor we offer our clients a personal approach and ensure titles, such as this, are at the forefront of discussions with buyers and not competing with similar titles in a much larger catalogue. Tern’s reputation for producing high-quality, talent-led content is well-known and we are excited to be able to bring their programming to our buyers around the world.”
This commission will be produced by Tern TV’s Belfast office and follows a period of growth of the Northern Ireland arm of the business, including the recommission of 15 further hours of daytime factual and crime series Critical Incident for BBC One. Last year Tern Belfast was also awarded the contract for BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live programme, following an open competitive tender. The series, which is made in partnership with Green Inc, has enjoyed impressive viewing figures since Tern TV took over production.
Dr Xand’s Con or Cure will be executive produced by Harry Bell and Brendan Hughes for Tern TV. It was commissioned by Rachel Platt, BBC Commissioning Editor. The series will be distributed internationally by Orange Smarty.
Pippa Considine
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