Great British Castle Rescue premieres on Sky History

Great British Castle Rescue follows Rick Edwards as he ventures inside some of the UK’s most spectacular and endangered castles. From crumbling medieval towers to collapsing royal chambers, engineers and historians battle to stabilise these epic structures with help from National Lottery funding. Each rescue unlocks extraordinary stories of warrior kings, civil wars, brutal betrayals and forgotten lives. Across each episode, Rick meets heritage experts, engineers and stonemasons racing to save these buildings.

Please visit: https://www.history.co.uk/videos/the-gothic-castle-that-squatters-destroyed-great-british-castle-rescue for more information.

Killer Kings wins Broadcast Tech Innovation Award (Best AI Innovation)

Killer Kings wins Best AI Innovation at the Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards.

As the world’s first long-form AI-reenactment documentary series, Killer Kings reimagines historical storytelling by combining rigorous research, powerful story telling and fully AI-generated cinematic imagery in boldly unmasking six powerful kings who have shaped history.

Please visit: https://www.broadcasttechawards.co.uk/winners-2025 for more information.

True Crime Producers group adds five Indies

The Association of True Crime Producers, the new industry body set up to establish best practice guidelines for the TV crime genre in the UK and Ireland, has added five new members.

Joining the non-profit syndicate are Back2Back Productions, Content Kings, Flicker Productions, North One, and Zig Zag Productions.

The new members will join Avalon, FirstLook TV, ITN Productions, Monster Films, Peninsula Television, Phoenix Television, Rare TV, Revelation Films, Title Role, and Woodcut Media, as the association continues to grow its membership and roll-out various initiatives over the coming year.

On the 21st of November, ATCP will also launch its first webinar. The session will be led by the Film and TV Charity who will talk about the “Whole Picture Tookit”, created to support people at all levels of production, and to support Managers and Senior Creative leaders to look after their team’s mental health and wellbeing.

Committee Member – Alexander Gardiner, CEO, Rare TV said: “We are delighted to see our membership growing. Duty of care and high ethical standards are vital in this most sensitive of programming areas. The fact that our membership is growing shows how many in our industry want to commit to this best practice approach.”

Committee Member – Gillian Carter, Founder & COO, FirstLook TV said: “Keeping up editorial and safeguarding standards is a process – vigilance is a constant need and our webinars are aimed at providing a framework for us all to understand what keeps us at the forefront of standards. Our first tackles mental well-being – that of our contributors and that of our colleagues.”

The ATCP launched July 2023 with members signing up to a set of clear guidelines, which put victims and their families at the centre of the production process and aims to enhance current best practice in duty of care.  Members have committed to conforming to the highest ethical standards and supporting the continuing integrity and success of true crime production.

Membership is open to TV and film production companies, digital or podcast content producers, or individuals directly engaged in the production of true crime content for domestic (UK & Ireland) or international consumption.

Please visit: https://atcp.tv/ for more information.

FirstLookTV, LGI Media Ink Australian Deal

U.K. -based factual specialist FirstLookTV has partnered with Melbourne-based distributor LGI Media. FirstLookTV will work with
LGI in the Crime and History genres originating titles in Australia and Asia.

FirstLookTV has also announced the development of the company’s investment in History and Natural History, both of which are genres already distributed by LGI Media in territories beyond Europe and America.

Will Hanrahan, founder of FirstLookTV, said about the deal, “We operate globally as a business and we have been looking for a presence in the Southern hemisphere to add to our superb distribution collaborators in the U.K. and Canada. LGI’s titles reflect a real connection with the needs of the content market, and we are delighted to be working with them. Our production model is set up to create winning brands outside of True Crime and LGI has the potential to boost that ambition.”

Nha-Uyen Chao, founder of LGI Media, said, “LGI is thrilled to build our partnership with FLTV, one of the best producers in the
true crime genre. Will and his team know how to produce shows that rate and resonate across the globe.”

Australia: FirstLookTV distribution deal with LGI Media

UK-based factual specialist FirstLookTV has announced an Australian distribution deal with Melbourne-based Distributor LGI Media.

FirstLook has similar deals in place in the US, Canada, Latin America and Europe.

The Meet Marry Murder ProdCo will work with LGI in the Crime and History genres originating key titles in Australia and Asia.

Alongside the deal, FirstLookTV has also announced the development of the company’s investment in History and Natural History, both of which are genres already distributed by LGI Media in territories beyond Europe and America, giving LGI a head-start in funding initiatives.

Will Hanrahan, founder of FirstLookTV, commented: “We operate globally as a business and we have been looking for a presence in the Southern hemisphere to add to our superb distribution collaborators in the UK and Canada. LGI’s titles reflect a real connection with the needs of the content market, and we are delighted to be working with them. Our production model is set up to create winning brands outside of True Crime and LGI has the potential to boost that ambition.”

Nha-Uyen Chao, founder of LGI Media, added: “LGI is thrilled to build our partnership with FLTV, one of the best producers in the true crime genre. Will and his team know how to produce shows that rate and resonate across the globe. The LGI team is delighted to bring Recipe for Murder to MIPCOM for our international clients”.

FirstLookTV signs Australian distribution deal with LGI Media

UK Midlands-based Factual specialist FirstLookTV today announced an Australian hook-up with Melbourne-based Distributor LGI Media. The partnership marks the further expansion of FirstLookTV’s  distribution collaborations throughout the global market.

FirstLook has similar deals in place in the USA, Canada, Latin America and Europe.

The Meet Marry Murder ProdCo will work with LGI in the Crime and History genres originating key titles in Australia and Asia.

Alongside the deal, FirstLookTV has also announced the development of the company’s investment in History and Natural History, both of which are genres already distributed by LGI Media in territories beyond Europe and America, giving LGI a head-start in supercharging funding initiatives.

Recent hires have opened new editorial areas at FirstLookTV with titles debuting at Mipcom 2023.

Will Hanrahan, founder of FirstLookTV, says “We operate globally as a business and we have been looking for a presence in the Southern hemisphere to add to our superb distribution collaborators in the UK and Canada. LGI’s titles reflect a real connection with the needs of the content market, and we are delighted to be working with them. Our production model is set up to create winning brands outside of True Crime and LGI has the potential to boost that ambition.”

Nha-Uyen Chao, founder of LGI Media says “LGI is thrilled to build our partnership with FLTV, one of the best producers in the true crime genre. Will and his team know how to produce shows that rate and resonate across the globe. The LGI team is delighted to bring Recipe for Murder to MIPCOM for our international clients”.

FirstLookTV links with LGI Media

NEWS BRIEF: UK-based factual prodco FirstLookTV (FLTV) has signed a distribution deal with Australia’s LGI Media.

The partnership will see FLTV work with LGI in the crime and history genres to originate titles in Australia and Asia. It comes as Meet Marry Murder producer FLTV aims to invest in genres beyond true crime, such as history and natural history, which Melbourne-based LGI Media already works in.
Will Hanrahan, founder of FLTV, said: “We operate globally as a business and we have been looking for a presence in the southern hemisphere to add to our superb distribution collaborators in the UK and Canada.”

FirstLookTV expands senior team with triple executive hire

FirstLookTV, the longest established indie production company in the Midlands, today announces a triad of senior hires in a new growth strategy aimed at capitalising on its US and UK True Crime hits, Meet Marry Murder, My Lover My Killer and #Dead2Me.

FirstLookTV expands senior team with triple executive hire from Icon, BBC

UK-based factual prodco FirstLookTV has made a trio of senior hires in a new growth strategy aimed at capitalising on its US and UK True Crime series Meet Marry Murder, My Lover My Killer and #Dead2Me…

FirstLookTV Expands Executive Team

FirstLookTV has made a triad of senior hires in a new growth strategy aimed at capitalizing on its U.S. and U.K. true-crime hits Meet, Marry, Murder; My Lover My Killer; and #DEAD2ME…

FirstLookTV makes three senior hires

FirstLookTV Expands Senior Team

FirstLookTV, the indie production company in the Midlands, has announced a trio of senior hires in a new growth strategy aimed at capitalising on its US and UK True Crime hits, Meet Marry Murder, My Lover My Killer and #Dead2Me.

FirstLookTV has appointed Lucy Middelboe as Head of Business, Andie Clare as Director of Production, and Rachel Bowering as Creative lead on Development. The appointments form part of FirstLookTV’s business development strategy, which will primarily focus on new and existing production development, social media and international collaborations…

FirstLookTV Secures a fourth series of A Killer’s Mistake

True crime producer First Look TV has secured a fourth series of A Killer’s Mistake for a ten-partrun. Distributed by Blue Ant Media (UK), the series will premiere on linear on Quest Red andstreaming via Discovery+ in the UK next year.

The series is exec produced First Look TV’s Caitlin Hanrahan and Blue Ant’s Ben Barrett andfocuses on the critical moment when a new piece of evidence becomes the turning point in amurder investigation, leading to the arrest. Meanwhile, FirstLookTV is also in late-stagenegotiations about a new 52x60 part Medical True-Crime series for A&E Networks EMEA anddistributed by Big Media.

FirstLookTV preps A Killer's Mistake S4

True-crime indie FirstLookTV is to deliver a fourth series of A Killer’s Mistake (10×60’) ahead of 2024.

Distributed by Blue Ant Media (UK), the upcoming season is set to premiere on linear television via Quest Red and streaming
via discovery+ in the UK next year. The series will once again feature a mix of five UK cases and five US stories.

Executive Produced by FirstLook’s Caitlin Hanrahan and Blue Ant’s Ben Barrett, A Killer’s Mistake focuses on the critical moment when a
new piece of evidence becomes the turning point in a murder investigation, leading police and investigators to find and arrest the killer.

The first two seasons of the detective mystery series initially aired on Netflix and Crime & Investigation in the UK, with Warner Bros. Discovery
picking up S3. It is currently one of 18 true-crime brands offered to the international market by FirstLookTV.

Will Hanrahan, founder of FirstLookTV, says, “The international success of this series proves that our innovative methods of creating true crime content with global appeal are hugely effective. It is a gripping series that shines a light on the incredible work investigators do to catch criminals in both
the US and the UK, and as an indie based outside of London we’re proud to be partnering again with Blue Ant and Warner Bros. Discovery for a
fourth season.”

Meanwhile, FirstLookTV is also in late-stage negotiations about a new 52×60 part Medical True-Crime series for A&E Networks EMEA and distributed 
by Big Media.

First Look raises Red Flag for UKTV

UKTV has made its first true crime commission for free-to-air channel W and streaming service UKTV Play with Red Flag (8 x 60’) produced by
First Look TV.

Over eight episodes, the stories of people who have been catfished, gaslit and deceived are told through first-person survivor testimony. In each episode, Red Flag explores the experiences of those who have been targeted by digital manipulators who use dating sites, instant messaging and fake personas to prey on and exploit their partners.

Red Flag has been commissioned for UKTV by commissioning executive Emile Nawagamuwa with Head of Factual and Factual Entertainment Helen Nightingale and ordered for W by Adam Collings, channel director and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning. Will Hanrahan is executive producer for First Look TV and the series producers are Graham Smiles and Jo Robinson.

Adam Collings said: “This series marks our first true crime UKTV Original commission for W and the unique format sets the series apart from others, making for insightful and intriguing viewing. This is such an important commission for our 2024 slate, and I’m so pleased we get to share the survivors’ stories and try to signpost the hallmarks of deception for others.”

Emile said: “We’re incredibly excited to be working with First Look on our first true crime series. The deeply personal accounts from survivors will offer valuable insight to the perilous landscape of modern dating. Those affected will be at the forefront, this is a chance to tell their story and send messages of caution and solidarity to others who may be living the same experience.”

Will Hanrahan, executive producer for First Look said: “This is an important series that shines a light on an epidemic of fakery in the UK dating world. We can all too easily find ourselves scammed, blackmailed and even hoodwinked into sex by those who hide behind fake identities or who prey on our instincts to help others in need. It will make for compelling viewing – and we hope it prevents such crimes happening to you or someone you know. Given the subject, we think UKTV’s W channel is the perfect partner, and we are delighted to be working with them again.”

Red Flag will air on UKTV’s free-to-air channel W and streaming service UKTV Play in 2024.

First Look TV included in Broadcast's Production 100

Televisual’s exclusive annual report into the TV indie sector, the Production 100, is out now with Avalon in the number one spot once again.

Avalon posted a turnover figure of £274m. The top 100 indies collectively turned over £3.1bn over the past year.

72 Films was voted the producers’ producer in the report’s annual Peer Poll in which indies vote for the rivals they most admire.

The survey also asked respondents to rate their broadcaster clients. The BBC was voted as the best broadcaster to work with and Netflix
the best streamer.

All3media International took the crown as the indies’ best rated distributor.

Black Mirror - Reflections on True Crime

Charlie Brooker’s pastiche in Loch Henry serves to reinforce the importance of the documentary staple in popular culture but also its serious societal value, argues FirstLook’s Will Hanrahan.

Charlie Brooker apparently hails from the same village Boris Johnson and Carrie have made their multi-million-pound home – Brightwell-cum-Sotwell. This corner of Oxfordshire is central casting for an episode of Midsomer Murders. Leafy lanes, country pubs and men in lycra struggling by on super-expensive bikes that the average TV researcher can only dream of affording.

For Boris and Charlie, buying a super-bike would not be a problem. If ever Charlie returns home and bumps into the former fibber-in-chief, he might compare notes across a range of interest areas. Both have worked in print and broadcast, and both plough their own, unique furrows.

Much has been written and said about Charlie - mostly admiring of his slightly left-field observations and versatility. He can present, lampoon on different platforms, write and direct. Being fair, the guy puts in a shift. I’m a huge fan, as I might have said I had bumped into him at an awards ceremony (see Black Mirror: Loch Henry for why that line works).

ATCP

FirstLookTV is honored to be a founding member of the new Association of True Crime Producers, where we are helping to establish best practices for the genre. It is a privilege to share and tell these often heartbreaking stories, and we take pride in doing them justice on behalf of the brave people who contribute and participate. To find out more follow this link. https://atcp.tv/

Streamers Should Be Able To Take a Side

It’s journalism 101: news reporters should not ‘have an interest’ in one side of an argument over another. By being ‘disinterested,’ they can be trusted
to offer balance and fairness.

That’s good in theory, but what happens when a journalist is very ‘interested’ because the facts are so damning against one side or the other?

Enter investigative journalism and anything but impartial or disinterested reporting. A reporter takes a side and relentlessly pursues enquiry to support that side because there has been a clear injustice.

The emergence of Amazon Prime and Netflix has been a godsend to investigative types who, like me and my team, take the view in true crime coverage that when one person has killed another and been found guilty in a court of law, we are more than entitled to be interested. This means presenting the prosecution case proportionate to what has been done rather than in equal measure with the defence – to give a voice to victims
who cannot be heard themselves.

Live court reporting, of course, must be balanced, but is it wrong to take the victim’s side when a case is conclusively proved to the satisfaction of a jury? I think not.

And when a homicidal pattern of societal behaviour is seen as the reason innocents lose their lives, then that should be exposed too. Domestic abuse leads to murder; it needs to be policed better.

This takes us to the UK’s draft media bill introduced by the culture secretary, Lucy Frazer. Early manifestations of its intent suggest that she wishes
to see rules in the style of [media regulator] Ofcom relating to impartiality applied to the streaming giants.

Those streamers are not bound by impartiality regulations. They can see an evil and expose it for what it is without fear of complaints related
to balance.

One broadcast partner we work with, bound as it is by regulations, forcefully suggested to us recently that we had to give a convicted killer a right of reply to accusations made against her by the members of the victim’s family. Balanced, maybe, but for a family forever living with the death of their loved one, is that fair?

Discuss, by all means – but not in my book.

Our latest Netflix collaboration, My Lover, My Killer, began with a campaigning element; we wanted to expose the reality of escalating domestic abuse and to illustrate how the tragic issue is policed.

It was balanced in as much as we offered the ‘defence’ given by the perpetrator so viewers could draw conclusions, but it was not disinterested in the traditional sense.

The killer had been found guilty and lost his or her appeals. Society had made its judgement. As it did so, we could all see the failings in a system
that meant violent crime had been overlooked or not policed as well as it should have been.

That simple fact meant we, as journalists, wished to take a side – not to be balanced, but to be appalled at the loss of life and determined to both expose the sinner and the system’s failings.

If this or any other government wants to start policing journalism and the investigative thread alive and well on the streamers, then the regulation
of ‘balance’ will threaten the exposure of wrongs.

And surely that is not the role of government.

5Star/Paramount commission Sleeping With My Murderer

True Crime indie, FirstLookTV, has been commissioned by 5Star/Paramount to produce a 10-part documentary series, Sleeping With My Murderer. The seres will document ten tragically ill-fated love stories. Reflecting upon the early signs of abuse, it exposes weaknesses in the systems designed to police and protect people from this potentially lethal behaviour, with contributions from family members, law enforcement and legal professionals.

Through access to the inner workings of these relationships, each episode is centred around the accounts of those closest to the victims, as they share their stories of partnerships that began with a meeting full of hope, and ended in murder.

Every case is forensically uncovered, revealing the tell-tale events and threatening circumstances leading up to the murder. The series takes an emotive but journalistic approach to analysing the relationships to reveal the coercive behaviours and often- ignored signs of abuse. With rst-hand accounts of the crimes and the authoritative perspectives from members of the forensic teams, the series is positioned to alert audiences to the signs of escalating danger, and inform them of the resources and ways to support victims of these crimes, before it’s too late.

The Midlands indie will also launch a US-only version of Meet Marry Murder on A&E’s lifetime channel in late 2023, making FirstLookTV one of the biggest suppliers of true crime content in the world.

Will Hanrahan, founder of FirstLookTV and executive producer on Sleeping With My Murderer, commented: “We’re pleased to be working with our Paramount colleagues again on a series we feel will make an important contribution to understanding how domestic abuse can escalate. Our series, made in collaboration with ten British families, will show heart-breaking examples of relationships which end in tragedy. Working also with campaigning charities, we want our series to act as a vital source of information for those who feel they are in an abusive relationship”.

Damian O’Hara, Acquisitions Manager at Paramount Global, added “This is an important series which takes us to the core of controlling, coercive and dangerous relationships. Through these powerful true cases and brave family testimonials, our viewers will explore a world of silence and secrecy, and discover the ultimate heartbreak and devastating tragedy that results.”

Distributed by Abacus Media Rights, its founder Jonathan Ford, helped initiate the relationship between 5Star/Paramount and FirstLookTV.

“We know FirstLook’s work and were happy to facilitate a productive, creative dialogue. It’s an excellent series and we look forward to bringing it to market,” said Ford.