Chorion PLC 16 March 2005 ITV doubles its order for new Agatha Christie television films from Chorion Doubling of 2005 commission follows success of new Marple series London. Wednesday, 16 March 2005 -- Chorion PLC, the leading owner of entertainment brands and content, today announced that ITV has commissioned an additional tranche of television films based on the stories of the world's best selling mystery writer Agatha Christie. Under the terms of Chorion's current output deal with ITV, the broadcaster is contracted to purchase four films a year each year from 2003 to 2006. Four Poirot films were made in 2003, and in December 2004 four new Marple films, starring Geraldine McEwan, were broadcast. Following the ratings success of these productions, ITV has decided to increase its order for 2005. Chorion will now make eight Agatha Christie films in 2005, with a minimum of six of them to be delivered this year and two early in 2006. Later in 2006, a minimum of a further four films will be delivered. The precise split between Marple and Poirot films has yet to be decided by the broadcaster. This increased commission for 2005 follows on from the success of the 2004 Miss Marple films. In 2004, "Agatha Christie: Marple" was co-produced by Chorion, Granada and PBS. The four two-hour dramas averaged a 33% audience share; three of the four films were the most-watched programmes in their fiercely-competitive Sunday evening timeslot. The series followed the template set by Poirot, with each film featuring A-list casts, strong writers and high production values. Granada International is the distribution agent for these titles and it reports that international sales have so far have exceeded their expectations. Nicholas James, Chief Executive of Chorion plc said: "This is a valuable boost for Chorion. The continued demand for Agatha Christie films from ITV and broadcasters worldwide clearly demonstrates the company's ability to reinvent and reinvigorate a classic brand, and make it relevant for modern audiences. We look forward to broadening the appeal of the world's greatest mystery writer and bringing more of her classic stories to television screens around the world." - ends - For enquiries or imagery please call: Tim Allan or Andrew Sholl Portland, for Chorion 020 7404 5344 andrew.sholl@portlandpr.co.uk High resolution images are available for the media to view and download free of charge from www.vismedia.co.uk About Chorion Chorion (LSE: COR) is a leading owner and manager of classic literary-based brands. Its foremost properties include Enid Blyton's Noddy, Roger Hargreaves' Mr. Men and Little Miss series, Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Georges Simenon's Inspector Maigret and Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe. Visit www.chorion.co.uk. About Agatha Christie Universally known as the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie wrote 80 novels and short story collections as well as 19 plays. Her books have been translated into more than 100 languages and are estimated to have sold two billion copies worldwide, making her the most widely published author in history, outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange