LONDON: U.K.-based producer/distributor Scottish Television International (STVI), has signed a five-year co-financing and distribution deal with one of Australia’s leading children’s TV producers, Barron Entertainment.

As the first part of the deal, STVI has come on board as a financier with two 13 x 30-minute children’s drama productions. The two shows, Fast Tracks and Driven Crazy, are in production in Australia.

STVI has already made its mark on the animation co-pro scene by working with U.S. partners, such as Saban, DIC Entertainment and Canada’s Nelvana. However, it has recently begun to develop its interest in live-action series. In addition to the deal with Barron, it is involved in the production of a 13 x 30-minute drama Minty, with RT Films in Australia, which launched on the ITV Network in July.

For Barron, which already has series such as Ship To Shore and Sweat airing on British terrestrial TV, the deal is an attempt to gain greater leverage in the international marketplace. Managing director Paul Barron says, ‘Scottish brings a sophisticated international sales team, administration and industry expertise to the table. Its expertise will facilitate co-pros and increase the number of future projects.’ AF