August 18th 2006
Metrostar brings Kudos’ hit drama ‘Life On Mars’ to
Brand Licensing

Metrostar, the brand licensing company formed by ex-BBC Worldwide marketer Claire Potter, is launching Kudos Film and Television’s highly-acclaimed BBC One show, ‘Life On Mars’ at Brand Licensing Expo.

First screened on BBC One in January 2006, ‘Life On Mars’ attracted an average of 6.7 million viewers weekly, indexing well amongst ABC1 men aged 16-34. Series one starts transmission on cab/sat channel, Bravo this Autumn and a second series is scheduled on BBC One for next year.

It follows the adventures of Sam Tyler, an ambitious police detective from 2006 who whilst investigating the abduction of his girlfriend, is transported back in time to 1973 to work with a team of detectives led by Gene Hunt, with 1970’s attitudes and 1970’s methods. Sam feels like a fish out of water. But he must come to terms with an unfamiliar environment and an archaic CID unit where, using his modern know-how, he is integral to the unit’s investigation process as he learns how to adapt to their old-fashioned technologies and etiquettes.

Metrostar's Managing Director Claire Potter comments,

"’Life On Mars’ is one of the most talked-about dramas on TV. Audiences are captivated by the great stories, great acting and by the contrasts the series highlights between 1970s Britain and today. The Ford Cortina, the music, the fashion - even the test card girl and Lucozade bottle -transport us back to our childhoods, and therein lies the distinctiveness and appeal of this very unique TV brand."

Kudos’ Commercial Director, Daniel Isaacs said:

“’Life On Mars’ has established a huge cult following since its debut on BBC One. The DVD, through Contender, has performed magnificently and we are developing books with Simon & Schuster and a calendar with Slow Dazzle. We are really looking forward to adding further products which appeal to ‘Life On Mars’ many fans.”

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Contact Claire Potter, Managing Director, Metrostar, 07989 940181
Contact Daniel Isaacs, Kudos Film and Television, 0207 812 3270

Notes to Editors:

Metrostar
Metrostar specialises in helping TV companies to generate new revenue streams by licensing their programme brands into consumer products formats. Metrostar also creates and manages web shops which sell TV programme merchandise.

Metrostar’s clients include Hat Trick Productions, Kudos Film and Television, Flextech television and 12 Yard Productions.

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

Steve Deakin-Davies has created and produced intellectual property for 14 years for clients including EMI, Carlton, and Polygram. He has also completed consultancy projects in global distribution and corporate finance for a number of large UK companies.

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. Whether tackling edgy subject matter or crafting mainstream entertainment, 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.

Kudos’ other shows include the popular BBC drama about the loveable con tricksters, ‘Hustle’ and new detective series ‘Life on Mars’.