Exclusive: A+E Networks EMEA aims to explore the horrific stories of real-life disappearances – from the perspective of missing persons.
Missing, presumed dead is a ten-part series in which missing persons tell their stories through cinematically captured interviews. Family members, friends, and experts in kidnapping, identity fraud, and survival techniques will also contribute.
A+E holds broadcast rights in the UK, Benelux, Central and Eastern Europe, Greece and the Middle East, while it will be operated by its Sky Crime channel in Italy.
Germany-based Quintus Studios will distribute globally outside the UK on its FD Crime channel. The content company has more than 11 million cumulative subscribers to its portfolio of AVOD networks such as FD Crime and Free Documentary.
UK indie Spirit Studios is producing the show. The Channel 4 Growth Fund-backed producer is behind shows like View parking feepodcasts including Private parts And The Lion Whisperer YouTube channel.
Executive producers for Missing, presumed dead They are A&E’s Dan Korn and Dee Carter, Quintus Studios’ Adam Jacobs and Spirit Studios’ Matt Campion and Martin Sadowski.
“We’ve all heard about the notorious cases of child kidnapping, like those of Elizabeth Smart and Natasha Kampusch, where victims were forced to endure living hell for years before being reunited with their families,” Dan Korn said. “Missing, presumed dead It focuses on those cases that may not be well known but are absolutely horrific, from the unique perspective of the abductee, their tormented families, and the investigators.
“Missing, presumed dead Anouk van Dijk, head of sales and co-production at Quintus Studios, said: “The series presents an engaging account of true disappearances and rediscoveries, featuring unique perspectives through interviews with missing individuals and their loved ones.” “Spirit Studios’ innovative storytelling is a perfect fit with Quintus Studios’ channels, and the series’ catalog has tremendous potential for global viewership.”
“It’s about time we got a true crime show with a happy ending,” added Matt Campion, Creative Director of Spirit Studios, adding: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Quintus and A+E Networks EMEA to film Missing, Presumed Dead.” And to share a true commitment to honoring the stories of those who disappeared without a trace and celebrating the human spirit and amazing resilience that led to their rediscovery. This series is about the harrowing journeys of those who defied the odds and survived to tell the tale, and those who did everything in their power to find them.