The deal will see Cross, who also wrote FremantleMedia’s upcoming “pre-apocalyptic” crime drama Hard Sun, work with Kate Harwood, MD of Euston Films, and Dante Di Loreto, President of Scripted Entertainment for FremantleMedia North America, to develop a range of high-end dramas.
Series created through the deal will be distributed globally by FremantleMedia International.
Cross commented: “What we do should be fun, and working with Kate Harwood and Euston Films on Hard Sun has been just about the most enjoyable, as well as the most satisfying, experience of my professional life.
“So, I was delighted when FremantleMedia offered me a permanent home from which to develop and produce great shows, both in the UK with Kate and in the US with my old friend Dante Di Loreto for FMNA.”
Harwood added: “Neil is one of the greatest storytellers in the industry. He has an extraordinary ability in creating engaging and ambitious ideas with complex characters that audiences around the world have come to love.
“We’re hugely proud of the work we’ve done together on Hard Sun and looking forward to creating even more distinctive dramas together in the future.”
Dante Di Loreto commented: “In our ever-changing drama industry, we need to create shows that can cut-through, engage and entertain; and Neil Cross’ creative vision always delivers.
“With a history of developing projects which have gone on to establish global fans, we’re very much looking forward to working with Neil on his future concepts.
“Here at FremantleMedia, we’re on a mission to work with the best scripted creative talent in the industry to produce big and bold dramas that can resonate with audiences globally and our deal with Neil perfectly keeps our strategy on track.”