Founded by Ash Atalla and Tim Sealey, Roughcut Television has created award-winning comedy shows such as Big Boys, Stath Lets Flats, Cuckoo and recent drama hit Coma. The company is also behind recently announced psychological thriller Little Disasters, which will be distributed internationally by Fremantle.

Under the new deal, spearheaded by Jill Kellie, VP Commercial Strategy, Commercial & International at Fremantle, and Tim Sealey, Chief Operating Officer at Roughcut, Fremantle will become the primary home for Roughcut TV’s scripted drama projects. Productions will be realised in close collaboration with Fremantle’s Global Drama and International Distribution divisions. Roughcut is led by CEO Ash Atalla, Creative Director Alex Smith and Head of Drama Marianna Abbotts.

Rebecca Dundon, SVP Scripted Content, International at Fremantle, says: “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. We’re excited to start our drama journey with the highly anticipated Diane Kruger fronted thriller Little Disasters and can’t wait to surprise, entertain and inspire audiences across the world with their wider drama ambitions as these projects move from page to screen.”

Ash Atalla, CEO of Roughcut Television, adds: “This Fremantle deal is a game-changing moment for Roughcut as we accelerate our push into drama. Our goal is to build fast and become one of a new generation of global drama suppliers. And with the success of Coma, and recently commissioned Little Disasters, the work starts now.”

Ash Atalla is an Emmy-, Golden Globe- and BAFTA-winning producer and has worked on multi-award-winning shows such as the original UK version of The Office and The IT Crowd.

His production company Roughcut TV is one of the UK’s most prolific independent production companies and has a global reputation as a major scripted producer. Earlier this year, Roughcut’s first scripted drama Coma aired on Channel 5. Starring Jason Watkins, the series quickly becoming the most-watched drama for the channel in 2024.

The announcement comes shortly after Fremantle entered into first-look deals with production companies Nevermind Pictures and AlterEgo.