Sea Patrol’s international sail

Nine’s upcoming Sea Patrol has won a big vote of confidence after the Hallmark network has picked up the show at the MIP TV conference in Cannes.

Hallmark will screen all 13 x 60 episodes in about 100 countries.

The series, which has reportedly exceeded the expectations of Nine executives, is likely to air here in July. It stars Lisa McCune and Ian Stenlake, and as an obvious dramatic response to the success of Border Security should find a big audience.

The purchase by Hallmark is said to be the first time an Australian series has been pre-sold internationally before it has been screened locally.

It will even screen in Switzerland, which has no coastal shore!

Hallmark’s acquisition of the McElroy production was made from the screening of just two episodes.

Press Release:

The Nine Network are delighted to announce that Sparrowhawk Media has signed a significant acquisitions deal with its international distribution representative, Portman Film and Television, for Nine’s new drama series SEA PATROL.

The global deal secures the series for the Sparrowhawk-owned Hallmark Channels and will air across more than 100 territories including the UK.

Eddie McGuire, CEO, Nine Network Australia said: “What a sensational result. Nine’s new drama SEA PATROL is a testament to Nine’s commitment to investing in and producing outstanding local programming. For SEA PATROL to have been snapped up globally so quickly further demonstrates its quality and international audience appeal.”

Mark Lawrence, Director of Global Acquisitions, Sparrowhawk Media said: “This is a great deal for us. Our previous Portman acquisitions – Doc Martin and Kingdom – have proved extremely popular on our international platforms. We know the calibre of these titles is extremely high so we believe Sea Patrol will be another success.”

Sea Patrol is a multi-episode series set in the coastal waters of Australia and featuring a crew of men and women on board a Navy Patrol Boat. They provide security, surveillance and protection for the world’s largest island and longest coastline. They face two of the largest and most dangerous oceans on the face of the earth.

The series was created and executive produced by Hal and Di McElroy of McElroy All Media for the Nine Network Australia.

Hal McElroy said: “This was one of the toughest productions we’ve ever made but we are thrilled with the result. In this day and age, border security is the number one priority for every country in the world. With Hallmark’s worldwide network, we are sure the series will appeal to an international audience.”

Jo Horsburgh, Head of Drama, Nine Network Australia said: “Working with producers who are passionate about their project is always a pleasure. We have huge respect for Hal and Di McElroy and we are sure this will be a big hit both here is Australia and overseas.”

Chris Bartless, Head of Sales, Portman Films, said: “We have an extremely good working relationship with Hallmark who acquired two of our most successful UK series, Doc Martin and Kingdom. We are sure Sea Patrol will be another hit throughout the world.”

The series was co-produced by Film Finance Corporation Australia and in association with the Pacific Film and Television Corporation.

SEA PATROL will premiere on the Nine Network in the coming months.