![Rebecca Dundon, Ash Atalla](https://cdn.statically.io/img/deadline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Roughcut_RD_AA.png?w=681&h=383&crop=1)
People Just Do Nothing producer Roughcut TV has laid down its drama ambitions by striking a first-look deal with Fremantle following its recently-announced Little Disasters series.
The first look and drama development deal will see the super-indie become the primary home for Ash Atalla‘s outfit’s drama projects, with the producer working closely with Fremantle’s Global Drama and International Distribution divisions.
The news comes as Roughcut scales up its scripted drama offering, with a team led by CEO Atalla, Creative Director Alex Smith and Head of Drama Marianna Abbotts, and in the wake of a recent collaboration with Fremantle on psychological thriller Little Disasters for Paramount+ starring Diane Kruger. Roughcut’s debut drama was Paramount-owned Channel 5 series Coma and it also picked up the rights to Nina Milns’ darkly comic satirical debut Goddesses in 2022.
Roughcut has traditionally made comedy. Down the years, it has birthed hits including People Just Do Nothing, Stath Lets Flats and Big Boys.
Atalla said his goal is to “build fast and become one of a new generation of global drama suppliers.”
Rebecca Dundon, SVP Scripted Content, International at Fremantle, added: “Roughcut’s commercial sensibility and brilliant creative vision lead by Ash, Alex and Marianna is making for an exciting slate of original, contemporary drama series that feel in tune with what audiences and buyers are actively seeking both locally and globally.”
Fremantle is averaging around one deal announcement per week at present. In the past few weeks it has tied with Kristen Stewart and Stefano Sollima, while striking a deal with the family of James Baldwin.
The Roughcut deal was spearheaded by Jill Kellie, VP Commercial Strategy, Commercial & International at Fremantle and Tim Sealey, Chief Operating Officer at Roughcut.