October 25th, 2005
Metrostar brings Kudos’ spy drama ‘Spooks’ to Brand Licensing

Metrostar the new brand licensing company, formed by ex- BBC Worldwide marketer Claire Potter and Steve Deakin-Davies, is bringing Kudos Film and Television’s award-winning BBC One spy show, ‘Spooks’ to Brand Licensing for the first time.

Kudos appointed Metrostar as its Licensing Agent earlier this year with a brief to develop the brand’s consumer franchise.

First screened in 2002, Spooks is currently in its fourth series and regularly attracts an audience of over 6 million viewers weekly. It is based upon the adventures of ‘Section B’ – a crack team of spies in MI5’s counter-terrorism department, whose job it is to outwit the country’s smartest criminal minds. The writers and cast were advised by ex MI5 officers which helps to give a unique insight into how spies operate and the way their job affects their personal relationships.

Kudos’ Joint Managing Director, Stephen Garrett said:

“Spooks has established itself as one of the most successful drama brands on television with an incredibly loyal fan base. We are keen to develop the brand into consumer product formats which will bring it even closer to this group and extend its appeal still further.”

Claire Potter said,

“Spooks is an incredibly exciting brand. The television programme allows viewers a glimpse into the hitherto hidden world of MI5 but licensing can allow them to experience it. Spooks licensed products will give consumers the chance to live the life of a secret agent, and the Spooks brand has the integrity and excitement to deliver it.”

‘Spooks Confidential’ the behind-the-scenes guide, has been published by Contender Books and series 1 to 3 have been released on DVD, also by Contender. The BBC has developed an award-winning Spooks interactive TV game and mobile games are being launched through Y Dreams.

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Contact Claire Potter, Metrostar, 07989 940181
Contact Stephen Garrett, 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. In addition to Flextech, their clients include Hat Trick Productions and Kudos Film and Television.

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’.

Spooks
Spooks was created and written by David Wolstencroft, writer and creator of Psychos. It is currently in its fourth series on BBC One and is also broadcast on BBC Three, UK Gold (previous series) and The Hallmark Channel (previous series) in the UK.

It has been sold to the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France, Eire, Italy, Spain and many far eastern and middle eastern territories.

Spooks has won many television awards including a BAFTA in 2003 for ‘Best Drama Series’.