EXCLUSIVE: The UK’s Association of True Crime Producers (ATCP) is opening its doors to indies outside of Britain for the first time including three from the U.S.

Gennie Studios, My Entertainment and Texas Crew Productions have joined alongside Perpetual (Australia), Southern Exposure (South Africa), Our Story (New Zealand) and Serial Maven Studios (Canada).

The ATCP sprung up three years ago and is focused on developed professional standards in true crime production. Members sign up to a set of guidelines around victim protection, attend events and host seminars.

The ATCP was always clear that at some point it wanted to invite non-UK producers.

Woodcut Media boss Kate Beal, who chairs the ATCP, said: “Our productions are viewed on platforms globally and establishing membership of the ATCP as an internationally recognised marker of commitment to the highest production standards in true crime programming is an important next step in our association’s evolution.”

True crime programming has boomed in recent years, especially in the U.S. and UK, and the association’s producers are cognisant they need to keep to guidelines to avoid standards slipping. The need for the association became more apparent in the UK after the suicide of true crime producer John Balson, who had been working on a Channel 4 true crime series in the months leading up to his death.

ATCP members include Avalon, Back2Back Productions, CMG Productions, First Look TV, Flicker Productions, Good TV, High Rock Media, ITN Productions, Middle Child, Monster Films, North One Peninsula Television, Phoenix Television, Producing Partners, Rare TV, Redeeming Features, Revelation Films, Title Role, Turquoise TT, Woodcut Media and Yeti.