Carnival under NBC Universal's tent

August 20, 2008 NBC Universal took another step in its international expansion Wednesday, announcing the acquisition of veteran U.K. production company Carnival Film & Television, the producer of such glossy drama series as "Hotel Babylon" and "Harley Street." Networks have increasingly tapped the British acting pool and are looking for inexpensive overseas locations to reduce production costs. Second, U.S. networks are increasingly ordering scripted formats that have been pre-tested in foreign markets, particularly in the U.K. The deal gives NBC access to exploit Carnival's 400-hour library and current development slate for distribution and any creative offshoots.

Subscribe to the Hollywood Reporter and see the entertainment industry from its best angle: the inside looking out. Complete access to real-time news and exclusive analysis that goes behind the scenes from film to television, home video to digital media.

   Subscribe now.