ITV to make British version of Dharma and Greg

Published Thursday 19 June 2008 at 12:25 by Matthew Hemley

ITV Productions is to make a British version of US sitcom Dharma and Greg as part of a major deal it has signed with Twentieth Century Fox Television.

Under the terms of the deal, the two companies will identify scripts from each other’s back catalogue which can be made for their home markets.

The UK version of Dharma and Greg is the first programme to be announced as part of the tie-up, which will also see the two companies launch a joint development fund, which will be used to create original programming. These shows may then be developed and produced either separately or together for exploitation internationally.

In addition, ITV and Fox will have access to each other’s production facilities, meaning some British series could be shot in the United States as a result.

ITV managing director of global content Lee Bartlett, who recently joined ITV from the Fox network where he was as a senior executive, said: “This agreement presents tremendous opportunities for a transatlantic cross-fertilisation of ideas and talent. It is also testament to the high regard in which major Hollywood producers regard ITV’s writing and producing talent.”

ITV Productions director John Whiston added: “If you are going to partner up with a US company then you should go for the one whose programming you most watch and whose creativity you most admire. For UK creatives, Fox is the best sweet shop in the world and we’re very excited about being let loose in it.”