'Doc Martin' heads overseas

Portman Film and Television has announced that production has commenced on a Spanish version of ITV1 dramedy Doc Martin.

Terrestrial network Antena 3 has purchased the rights to 23 re-versioned scripts, and production on an initial eight episode run started last month. The episodes will be broadcast in primetime later this year.

In Germany, ZDF has picked up a second season of its own local version, Doktor Martin, with filming currently taking place on location in the village of Neuharlingersiel.

"Drama programming from the UK is in demand at the moment and international buyers are increasingly keen to acquire scripted changed formats for local production," said Chris Bartlett, head of television sales at Portman. "Doc Martin continues to prove a runaway success for us both as a finished programme and a scripted changed format - with the clash of cultures theme easily adaptable and recognisable to audiences throughout the world."

Production on an already-announced fourth UK series will get underway in September.