Spanish network consults 'Doc'

British drama added to schedule

By DOMINIC SCHREIBER

LONDON -- Spanish commercial web Antena 3 is adding another British drama remake to its schedule, picking up the rights to ITV series "Doc Martin" from distributor Portman Film and Television.

In its second scripted format deal in recent months, Antena 3 has acquired the rights to all 23 episodes of the skein, which stars comedian Martin Clunes as a London surgeon who moves to a small village to become the local doctor.

The broadcaster has greenlit eight episodes, which will be produced by Notro Films.

The deal was brokered by Ignacio Jimenez Gargantilla of Antena 3 and Anke Stoll, head of acquisitions and co-productions at Portman.

"There is definitely a growing interest in scripted formats," said Stoll. "It's not easy to write good scripts, and if a show has been successful in one country, it has a proven track record."

"Doc Martin" has already been adapted in Germany, where the first season aired on pubcaster ZDF last year. A second season, produced by UFA-owned Phoenix Films, has just completed filming, and Portman is in discussions for other territories.

The original series, produced by Buffalo Pictures, has been commissioned for a fourth season by ITV, with production due to start in September.

Earlier this year Antena 3 acquired the rights to BBC cop drama "Life on Mars," a local version of which will air in primetime next year.