CANNES: BBC Worldwide has concluded a swathe of deals across Australian networks at this year‘s Mipcom market in Cannes.

Australia‘s National broadcaster ABC has renewed its first option agreement with BBC Worldwide for another three years. The agreement covers drama, entertainment, natural history, children’s, music and arts and religion titles.

Sales include the pre-sale of the new 11-hour history series Planet Earth. It has been produced by Alastair Fothergill, the BBC, Discovery and NHK

A 41-hour children‘s package has also been sold to the ABC, led by Shoebox Zoo. This is a drama series from CBBC Scotland with live and computer generated characters, which follows the magical adventures of 11- year old Marnie McBride..

Also in the package is Powers which takes the view that ‘the truth is in there‘ and in which two 14-year-old psychic researchers investigate paranormal mysteries. The pre-school series Fimbles will also return to the ABC.

In another set of new deals with Channel 7, BBC Worldwide has licensed pioneering new factual programming. One show is Genghis Khan which employs state-of-the-art digital effects combined with live-action footage. It was shot entirely on location on the Asian Steppe.

BBC Worldwide has also sold 60 hours of children‘s programming to Nickelodeon Australia, led by Balamory. The show blends drama and documentary.