EXCLUSIVE: A+E Networks EMEA is to explore shocking real-life stories of disappearances — from the perspective of the missing people.
Missing, Presumed Dead is a ten-part series in which people who had gone missing tell their stories through cinematically shot interviews. Family and friends, and experts in abduction, identity fraud and survival techniques will also contribute.
A+E has broadcast rights in in the UK, Benelux, CEE, Greece and Middle East, while its Sky Crime channel will run it in Italy.
Germany-based Quintus Studios will distribute globally outside the UK on its FD Crime channel. The content company has over 11 million cumulative subscribers to its suite of AVOD networks such as FD Crime and Free Documentary.
UK indie Spirit Studios is making the show. The Channel 4 Growth Fund-backed producer is behind shows such as The Stand Up Sketch Show, podcasts including Private Parts and The Lion Whisperer YouTube channel.
Executive producers for Missing, Presumed Dead are Dan Korn and Di Carter for A&E, Adam Jacobs for Quintus Studios and Matt Campion and Martin Sadowski for Spirit Studios.
“We have all heard of the infamous cases of child abduction, such as Elizabeth Smart and Natasha Kampusch, in which the victims were forced to endure a living hell for years before being reunited with their families,” said Dan Korn. “Missing, Presumed Dead focuses on those cases which might not be so well known but which are every bit as harrowing and does so from the unique perspective of the abductee, their agonised families and the investigators.”
“Missing, Presumed Dead offers gripping storytelling of real disappearances and rediscoveries, featuring unique perspectives through interviews with the missing individuals and their loved ones,” said Anouk van Dijk, Head of Sales & Co-Productions at Quintus Studios. “Spirit Studios’ innovative storytelling aligns perfectly with Quintus Studios channels and catalogue the series has vast potential for global viewership.”
Matt Campion, Creative Director of Spirit Studios added: “It’s about time we had a true crime show with a happy ending,” adding: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Quintus and A+E Networks EMEA to make Missing, Presumed Dead, and share a real commitment to honour the stories of those who vanished without a trace and to celebrate the human spirit and incredible resilience that led to their rediscovery. This is a series about the harrowing journeys of those who defied the odds and survived to tell the tale, and those who did everything they could to find them”.