September 27th, 2007
Metrostar brings ‘Life On Mars’ follow-up show, ‘Ashes to Ashes’,
to Brand Licensing Europe

Metrostar, the brand licensing company formed by ex-BBC Worldwide marketer Claire Potter, is launching Kudos Film and Television’s ‘Ashes to Ashes’, the follow-up to the hugely successful, ‘Life On Mars’ at Brand Licensing Expo.

‘Life On Mars’ became a run-away success when its first and second series attracted an average of 6.7 million viewers weekly on BBC One. Sadly for its many fans, series two, broadcast in Spring 2007, was its last.

‘Ashes to Ashes’ follows DCI Gene Hunt and his team to London. Set in 1981, everyone’s favourite politically-incorrect cop turns his attentions to taking on the ‘southern nancy’ criminal scum in the nation’s capital. Gene, however, does not expect to be thrown together with the sexy, intelligent, DCI Alex Drake. Single mother Alex has rapidly risen through the ranks of the Met. When Alex and her daughter are kidnapped, she makes a daring attempt at escape, resulting in a horrific accident. Alex suddenly finds herself in 1981 interacting with familiar characters, not just from her own life time, but also from the detailed reports logged by none other than Sam Tyler, which Alex has previously spent months poring over. Ripped from her current world of sexual equality and respect, she finds herself faced with the boorish Gene in a two-tone, New Romantic, Eighties London.

Metrostar's Managing Director Claire Potter comments:

"’Life On Mars’ was the most talked-about drama on TV this year and spawned some great brand extensions – most especially ‘The Rules of Modern Policing, 1973 Edition’ to be published by Transworld on October 8th and the CD compilation from SonyBMG which sold over 50,000 units - so it is with great excitement and anticipation that we await ‘Ashes to Ashes’."

Kudos’ Commercial Director, Daniel Isaacs said:

“’Life On Mars’ established a huge cult following and we know its fans were disappointed to see it end so we’re delighted to bring back some of their favourite characters in ‘Ashes to Ashes’”

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Contact Claire Potter, Metrostar, 07989 940181
Contact Daniel Isaacs, Kudos Film and Television, 0207 812 3270
Stand number : 459

Notes to Editors:

Metrostar
Metrostar specialises in helping TV companies to generate new revenue streams by extending their programme brands into consumer products and books. In addition to Kudos, clients include Fremantle, Optomen, Hotbed Media, Derek Acorah and Parallel Films.

Claire Potter began her career at Unilever and held senior marketing positions with Ladbrokes, BBC Worldwide and the Guardian Media Group before founding Metrostar.

Kudos Film and Television
In a little over a decade, Kudos has amassed an impressive catalogue of television and film, creating original, popular, award-winning work with flair and intelligence and a keen sense of emerging talent. Kudos has become, under the leadership of Joint Managing Directors Stephen Garrett and Jane Featherstone, an international force as a production entity of quality and distinction. Their other shows include the popular BBC drama about the loveable con tricksters, ‘Hustle’ and the critically-acclaimed BBC spy drama, ‘Spooks’.