Leading independent distributor All3Media International has announced its first scripted drama format commission in the CEE region with Kiev-based Film.UA picking up adaptation rights for hit drama Step Dave.

CEETV reported first this summer that the production company is shooting the remake of the series coming from New Zealand.

The license will initially see one new 16-episode version of the series produced for Russia’s Perviy (Channel One), to air in 2017. The Russian adaptation titled Papa Dan, which recently wrapped filming in Kiev, stars Natalya Nozdrina and Stas Tikunov in the lead roles.

Additional format options have also been signed with Content Factory (Hungary), Merlin Productions (France and French-speaking territories) and Kapa Studios (Greece).

Step Dave was originally produced by All3Media sister company South Pacific Pictures for TV2 New Zealand, where two seasons have now successfully aired (26 x one-hour in total). All3Media International has shipped both original seasons of Step Dave to Australia (Nine Network) and Latvia (SIA Media).

A light-hearted, feel-good family drama, Step Dave demonstrates one of the realities of modern life “ that families come in all different shapes and sizes, as Dave, a 24-year-old ordinary slacker, finds his life turned upside down when he meets the girl of his dreams and her three kids.

Lucy Roberts, Sales Manager, Formats, Northern EMEA at all3media International, commented, “Scripted formats have been a key area for us here over the last year, and we’re delighted to sign this first deal in the CEE region with Film.UA. Step Dave is a perfect light drama “ a romantic comedy that has all the qualities for easy adaptation for local audiences. Film.UA have a fantastic reputation in the region and I’m looking forward to working with them as they bring Step Dave to screens across the CIS territories.”