Lagardere Studios Distribution has acquired the worldwide distribution rights for the NTV Russia hit series Five Minutes of Silence. The company has licensed 2 seasons counting 22 episodes of the show. This is a first-time deal between the leading Russian commercial broadcaster and the renowned French company.

NTV General Producer Timur Weinstein commented: “The deal manifests a great step into the international markets, and, most importantly, into French TV space, which has proven to be quite challenging for Russian content. We’re very excited that our hit series is now represented by such market leader as Lagardere Studios Distribution. We hope this is a beginning of a successful, productive partnership between our two great companies that will open European markets for NTV shows.”

The deal covers multiple territories and includes both ready-made and format rights.

Five Minutes of Silence is one of the most successful shows created by NTV. The action series’ title refers to the 900 Code – Radio Silence for emergency responders that need to find victims trapped underground. It tells a story of a young man who, as a member of an emergency response team, risks his life to save others and gets transformed from a spoiled brat into a real hero, won the viewers hearts and minds all over Russia. Both seasons scored over 14% average viewing share. The audience loved the adventure-packed episodes about rescue missions conducted in a small border town and the unique appeal of this dynamic, family friendly, and original drama. The series has just the right mix of strong personalities, stunts invented on the go and beautiful nature scenes to become a very successful international hit and a great format.