Sky Studios CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz is expanding her role to extend across the Comcast-owned media group’s entire U.K. and Ireland content business outside of sports. Her new title will be CEO of Sky Studios and chief content officer.
Zai Bennett, MD of content for Sky U.K. and Ireland, will now report to Frot-Coutaz, who joined Sky in 2021 after leadership stints at Fremantle and YouTube.
Bennett previously reported to Stephen van Rooyen, Sky CEO for U.K. and Ireland, who departs the company this month after 17 years in the job. Bennett will remain responsible for output and performance. His role includes overseeing commissions, acquisitions across the group and managing the Sky Entertainment, Sky Cinema and Sky Kids brands.
Frot-Coutaz already looked after Sky’s comedy and drama across Europe as part of her remit. She will now also lead on U.K. and Ireland content as well as Sky News across Europe,...
Zai Bennett, MD of content for Sky U.K. and Ireland, will now report to Frot-Coutaz, who joined Sky in 2021 after leadership stints at Fremantle and YouTube.
Bennett previously reported to Stephen van Rooyen, Sky CEO for U.K. and Ireland, who departs the company this month after 17 years in the job. Bennett will remain responsible for output and performance. His role includes overseeing commissions, acquisitions across the group and managing the Sky Entertainment, Sky Cinema and Sky Kids brands.
Frot-Coutaz already looked after Sky’s comedy and drama across Europe as part of her remit. She will now also lead on U.K. and Ireland content as well as Sky News across Europe,...
- 2/8/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Sky executive Jane Millichip, a distribution leader and a driving force behind the company’s sustainability drive, is leaving the company after almost 10 years.
News of the executive’s departure was revealed to staff in a memo from Sky Studios CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz on Tuesday morning. Millichip, who currently serves as chief content officer for Sky Studios, is leaving the company after nine years. She first joined the business in 2013.
Millichip, a well-respected executive in the U.K. industry, made her mark at Sky through her leadership of the company’s in-house distribution banner Sky Vision, which was folded into NBCUniversal International Distribution following Comcast’s acquisition of Sky in 2018.
Under Millichip, Sky Vision grew from £8 million ($10.8 million) in revenues to £250 million ($338 million) in just six years. The executive was also key in growing the company’s investments in independent production companies, such as “Great British Bake Off” outfit Love Productions.
News of the executive’s departure was revealed to staff in a memo from Sky Studios CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz on Tuesday morning. Millichip, who currently serves as chief content officer for Sky Studios, is leaving the company after nine years. She first joined the business in 2013.
Millichip, a well-respected executive in the U.K. industry, made her mark at Sky through her leadership of the company’s in-house distribution banner Sky Vision, which was folded into NBCUniversal International Distribution following Comcast’s acquisition of Sky in 2018.
Under Millichip, Sky Vision grew from £8 million ($10.8 million) in revenues to £250 million ($338 million) in just six years. The executive was also key in growing the company’s investments in independent production companies, such as “Great British Bake Off” outfit Love Productions.
- 2/8/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
International Insider: Britain Reopens; Golden Globes Reckoning; Sky Studios CEO; ‘365 Days’ Returns
Hello and welcome to International Insider, your weekly dose of film and TV analysis from Deadline’s Euro team. Jake Kanter here to guide you through our usual glut of headlines in the week Disney+ blasted past 100 million subs. Want to get in touch? I’m on jkanter@deadline.com. And sign up here to get this delivered every Friday.
Britain Reopens
Pull up the popcorn: Rejoice! From Monday, Brits can take their seats in cinemas once again as coronavirus restrictions continue to be rolled back across England. It will be a chance for people to watch Oscar winners Nomadland and Minari on the big screen for the first time, with both films debuting in theaters on May 17. Another draw will be Lionsgate’s Spiral: From The Book Of Saw (pictured), which features Samuel L Jackson and Chris Rock as father and son cops. Saw films have grossed almost $1 billion to date.
Britain Reopens
Pull up the popcorn: Rejoice! From Monday, Brits can take their seats in cinemas once again as coronavirus restrictions continue to be rolled back across England. It will be a chance for people to watch Oscar winners Nomadland and Minari on the big screen for the first time, with both films debuting in theaters on May 17. Another draw will be Lionsgate’s Spiral: From The Book Of Saw (pictured), which features Samuel L Jackson and Chris Rock as father and son cops. Saw films have grossed almost $1 billion to date.
- 5/14/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
YouTube exec and former Fremantle CEO to join in September.
Cécile Frot-Coutaz has been appointed CEO of Sky Studios, the production arm of European pay-tv giant Sky.
The current head of YouTube Emea and former CEO of Fremantle, Frot-Coutaz will take up the post in September and also join the group executive board of Comcast-owned Sky.
Replacing the retiring Gary Davey, who launched the division in 2019, Frot-Coutaz will oversee commissioning, funding, development and production of Sky’s scripted originals. She will also “work closely with Sky’s content leads in each market, to deliver premium comedy, drama, and documentary...
Cécile Frot-Coutaz has been appointed CEO of Sky Studios, the production arm of European pay-tv giant Sky.
The current head of YouTube Emea and former CEO of Fremantle, Frot-Coutaz will take up the post in September and also join the group executive board of Comcast-owned Sky.
Replacing the retiring Gary Davey, who launched the division in 2019, Frot-Coutaz will oversee commissioning, funding, development and production of Sky’s scripted originals. She will also “work closely with Sky’s content leads in each market, to deliver premium comedy, drama, and documentary...
- 5/13/2021
- by Alex Farber Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
YouTube executive and former Fremantle boss Cécile Frot-Coutaz has been named CEO of Sky Studios, the heavy-hitting production and development arm for Sky.
Frot-Coutaz takes the reins from current chief executive Gary Davey, who launched Sky Studios in 2019. The long-time Sky executive announced his retirement in December, and will be stepping down later this year following a transition period.
Currently head of YouTube in Emea and formerly CEO of super-indie Fremantle, Frot-Coutaz will sit on Sky’s group executive and will begin in the post in September 2021. The executive was at Fremantle for more than 20 years before stepping down in March 2018 for the YouTube role. She began at the Google-owned platform in 2019.
As CEO, Frot-Coutaz oversees the funding, development, production and commissioning teams for scripted Sky Originals, which are a major priority for the Comcast-backed pay-tv operator, which serves 24 million customers across Europe.
Frot-Coutaz will also take charge...
Frot-Coutaz takes the reins from current chief executive Gary Davey, who launched Sky Studios in 2019. The long-time Sky executive announced his retirement in December, and will be stepping down later this year following a transition period.
Currently head of YouTube in Emea and formerly CEO of super-indie Fremantle, Frot-Coutaz will sit on Sky’s group executive and will begin in the post in September 2021. The executive was at Fremantle for more than 20 years before stepping down in March 2018 for the YouTube role. She began at the Google-owned platform in 2019.
As CEO, Frot-Coutaz oversees the funding, development, production and commissioning teams for scripted Sky Originals, which are a major priority for the Comcast-backed pay-tv operator, which serves 24 million customers across Europe.
Frot-Coutaz will also take charge...
- 5/13/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Sky Studios has secured a big name to succeed outgoing CEO Gary Davey.
The Comcast-owned European content powerhouse has announced the appointment of YouTube Emea chief and former Fremantle boss Cécile Frot-Coutaz. She will join Sky’s production and development division in September after Davey announced his retirement last year.
Deadline understands that Frot-Coutaz has been weighing up a return to traditional television for some time after she held meaningful talks to become the next CEO of BBC Studios last year. She ultimately turned the role down and BBC Studios is yet to name Tim Davie’s successor.
Sky Studios was established in 2019, bringing together the pay-tv giant’s originals commissioning and production under one roof. Frot-Coutaz will oversee an empire behind shows including Gangs Of London and I Hate Suzie.
Sky Studios owns several production companies, not least The Great British Bake Off producer Love Productions, while Frot-Coutaz...
The Comcast-owned European content powerhouse has announced the appointment of YouTube Emea chief and former Fremantle boss Cécile Frot-Coutaz. She will join Sky’s production and development division in September after Davey announced his retirement last year.
Deadline understands that Frot-Coutaz has been weighing up a return to traditional television for some time after she held meaningful talks to become the next CEO of BBC Studios last year. She ultimately turned the role down and BBC Studios is yet to name Tim Davie’s successor.
Sky Studios was established in 2019, bringing together the pay-tv giant’s originals commissioning and production under one roof. Frot-Coutaz will oversee an empire behind shows including Gangs Of London and I Hate Suzie.
Sky Studios owns several production companies, not least The Great British Bake Off producer Love Productions, while Frot-Coutaz...
- 5/13/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast-owned European pay TV giant Sky has named Cécile Frot-Coutaz, former CEO of Fremantle and currently head of YouTube in Europe, the CEO of its production arm Sky Studios, starting in September.
Current Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey, who launched the business in 2019, remains with the company to ensure a smooth transition before retiring later this year.
Frot-Coutaz will “take on the funding, development, production, and commissioning teams for scripted Sky originals, working closely with Sky’s content leads in each market, to deliver premium comedy, drama, and documentary to Sky’s 24 million customers across Europe,” the company said ...
Current Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey, who launched the business in 2019, remains with the company to ensure a smooth transition before retiring later this year.
Frot-Coutaz will “take on the funding, development, production, and commissioning teams for scripted Sky originals, working closely with Sky’s content leads in each market, to deliver premium comedy, drama, and documentary to Sky’s 24 million customers across Europe,” the company said ...
- 5/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Comcast-owned European pay TV giant Sky has named Cécile Frot-Coutaz, former CEO of Fremantle and currently head of YouTube in Europe, the CEO of its production arm Sky Studios, starting in September.
Current Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey, who launched the business in 2019, remains with the company to ensure a smooth transition before retiring later this year.
Frot-Coutaz will “take on the funding, development, production, and commissioning teams for scripted Sky originals, working closely with Sky’s content leads in each market, to deliver premium comedy, drama, and documentary to Sky’s 24 million customers across Europe,” the company said ...
Current Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey, who launched the business in 2019, remains with the company to ensure a smooth transition before retiring later this year.
Frot-Coutaz will “take on the funding, development, production, and commissioning teams for scripted Sky originals, working closely with Sky’s content leads in each market, to deliver premium comedy, drama, and documentary to Sky’s 24 million customers across Europe,” the company said ...
- 5/13/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Sky Studios has expanded the remit of chief content officer Jane Millichip from just the UK to all of Europe.
Millichip was upped from chief commercial officer to chief content officer last July, overseeing the Comcast-owned studio’s editorial output and production partnerships in the UK. She will now oversee Sky Studios’ editorial operations in Germany and Italy, with respective leaders Marcus Ammon and Nils Hartmann reporting to her.
In an email to staff, outgoing Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey said: “Last year, Jane took on responsibility for Sky Studios content teams in the UK, in addition to her commercial responsibilities. Effective today, Marcus Ammon and Nils Hartmann, our Sky Studios leadership in Germany and Italy, will report to Jane.
“Marcus and Nils are both exceptional talents, deeply respected by the industry and with strong creative instincts; understanding what our customers want and value, both in Sky Deutschland and Sky Italia,...
Millichip was upped from chief commercial officer to chief content officer last July, overseeing the Comcast-owned studio’s editorial output and production partnerships in the UK. She will now oversee Sky Studios’ editorial operations in Germany and Italy, with respective leaders Marcus Ammon and Nils Hartmann reporting to her.
In an email to staff, outgoing Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey said: “Last year, Jane took on responsibility for Sky Studios content teams in the UK, in addition to her commercial responsibilities. Effective today, Marcus Ammon and Nils Hartmann, our Sky Studios leadership in Germany and Italy, will report to Jane.
“Marcus and Nils are both exceptional talents, deeply respected by the industry and with strong creative instincts; understanding what our customers want and value, both in Sky Deutschland and Sky Italia,...
- 3/22/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Long-time Sky executive Jane Millichip has been promoted to chief content officer for Sky Studios, overseeing all of Europe.
Millichip, the former managing director of distributor Sky Vision, was tapped as the studio’s chief content officer for the U.K. in July 2020. Now, her remit has expanded to all of the Comcast-backed pay-tv operator’s markets in Europe, including Germany and Italy.
In a memo to staff, Gary Davey, CEO of Sky Studios, who is retiring later this year, said the move is intended to allow the org to “respond quicker to customer demands, identify new, creative opportunities across Group and work even more closely to deliver content to Sky UK, Italia and Deutschland, working to the briefs set out by [Sky UK director of content Zai Bennett], [Sky Italia head Nicola Maccanico] and [Sky Deutschland executive VP content Elke Walthelm].”
Upon launch of Sky Studios in June 2019, Millichip was named chief commercial officer.
Millichip, the former managing director of distributor Sky Vision, was tapped as the studio’s chief content officer for the U.K. in July 2020. Now, her remit has expanded to all of the Comcast-backed pay-tv operator’s markets in Europe, including Germany and Italy.
In a memo to staff, Gary Davey, CEO of Sky Studios, who is retiring later this year, said the move is intended to allow the org to “respond quicker to customer demands, identify new, creative opportunities across Group and work even more closely to deliver content to Sky UK, Italia and Deutschland, working to the briefs set out by [Sky UK director of content Zai Bennett], [Sky Italia head Nicola Maccanico] and [Sky Deutschland executive VP content Elke Walthelm].”
Upon launch of Sky Studios in June 2019, Millichip was named chief commercial officer.
- 3/22/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
If there was any question about the original content ambitions of Comcast-backed pay-tv operator Sky under its new leadership, a 125-title film and TV slate for 2021 reflects a company poised to build a distinct, autonomous service that can compete with its deep-pocketed SVOD rivals.
Sky in late 2019 renewed its output deal with HBO — which allows the business to offer the U.S. cabler’s top shows on its Sky Atlantic channel — for “multiple years,” but the company is clearly planning for a future where WarnerMedia pulls the plug on international licensing in favor of its own platform, HBO Max, which is now getting its house in order in Latin America and Europe.
The contract has “quite a few years to run,” says Zai Bennett, Sky U.K.’s managing director of content, “but you can put two and two together: where people are going direct-to-consumer, we have to have our own unique content…...
Sky in late 2019 renewed its output deal with HBO — which allows the business to offer the U.S. cabler’s top shows on its Sky Atlantic channel — for “multiple years,” but the company is clearly planning for a future where WarnerMedia pulls the plug on international licensing in favor of its own platform, HBO Max, which is now getting its house in order in Latin America and Europe.
The contract has “quite a few years to run,” says Zai Bennett, Sky U.K.’s managing director of content, “but you can put two and two together: where people are going direct-to-consumer, we have to have our own unique content…...
- 1/25/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Few media watchers in the U.K. were surprised that Jeremy Darroch, CEO of Sky these past 13 years, is finally quitting two years after Comcast acquired the U.K.-based pay-tv giant.
There’s been a steady exodus of senior execs from Sky since the U.S. cable group became its owner — and just weeks ago, Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey, who helped Rupert Murdoch launch Sky back in 1989, announced his retirement.
Darroch, a direct and straight-talking executive who joined Sky after a career in retail, helped transform the company into a European media powerhouse — a complex business spanning TV and telecoms — and tripled its size. Sky now has 24 million customers across Europe.
He oversaw the takeover of sister companies Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland and the construction of Sky Elstree Studios just outside London, likely to generate up to an additional £3 billion ($3.79 million) of production investment in the U.
There’s been a steady exodus of senior execs from Sky since the U.S. cable group became its owner — and just weeks ago, Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey, who helped Rupert Murdoch launch Sky back in 1989, announced his retirement.
Darroch, a direct and straight-talking executive who joined Sky after a career in retail, helped transform the company into a European media powerhouse — a complex business spanning TV and telecoms — and tripled its size. Sky now has 24 million customers across Europe.
He oversaw the takeover of sister companies Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland and the construction of Sky Elstree Studios just outside London, likely to generate up to an additional £3 billion ($3.79 million) of production investment in the U.
- 1/8/2021
- by Steve Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Jeremy Darroch is stepping down as the CEO of European pay-tv giant Sky after 13 years. In his place, Comcast is installing one of its own executives: Dana Strong, president of consumer services.
Darroch first joined Sky in 2004 as CFO and was elevated to chief executive three years later. He has overseen a period of extraordinary growth at Sky, which resulted in the company becoming a European powerhouse and ultimately being acquired by Comcast for £30 billion ($40 billion) in 2018.
Darroch will move upstairs for the rest of 2021, serving as executive chairman. Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts thanked Darroch for his “exceptional leadership” and said he was glad to have him around as an adviser.
Strong becomes Sky CEO after three years as Comcast’s president of consumer services, based in Philadelphia. She is no stranger to the UK, however, having worked as president and COO at Sky’s cable rival Virgin Media...
Darroch first joined Sky in 2004 as CFO and was elevated to chief executive three years later. He has overseen a period of extraordinary growth at Sky, which resulted in the company becoming a European powerhouse and ultimately being acquired by Comcast for £30 billion ($40 billion) in 2018.
Darroch will move upstairs for the rest of 2021, serving as executive chairman. Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts thanked Darroch for his “exceptional leadership” and said he was glad to have him around as an adviser.
Strong becomes Sky CEO after three years as Comcast’s president of consumer services, based in Philadelphia. She is no stranger to the UK, however, having worked as president and COO at Sky’s cable rival Virgin Media...
- 1/6/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast Cable executive Dana Strong is set to succeed Jeremy Darroch as CEO of Sky Group in what is a major restructure at the European pay-tv operator.
A 13-year veteran of Sky, Darroch will stay on as executive chairman through 2021, and will serve as an advisor to the company thereafter. The reshuffle comes just over two years since Comcast completed its acquisition of Rupert Murdoch’s pay-tv outfit.
Strong, who joined Comcast in 2018 from Sky competitor Virgin Media in the U.K., most recently served as president of consumer services for Comcast Cable, the largest broadband and TV provider in the U.S with nearly 33 million customers. In this role, she was responsible for Comcast’s residential business and led new product and market launches in broadband, video, home security and mobile. Under Strong, the company achieved record subscriber and broadband growth.
Strong — who was educated in the U.S.
A 13-year veteran of Sky, Darroch will stay on as executive chairman through 2021, and will serve as an advisor to the company thereafter. The reshuffle comes just over two years since Comcast completed its acquisition of Rupert Murdoch’s pay-tv outfit.
Strong, who joined Comcast in 2018 from Sky competitor Virgin Media in the U.K., most recently served as president of consumer services for Comcast Cable, the largest broadband and TV provider in the U.S with nearly 33 million customers. In this role, she was responsible for Comcast’s residential business and led new product and market launches in broadband, video, home security and mobile. Under Strong, the company achieved record subscriber and broadband growth.
Strong — who was educated in the U.S.
- 1/6/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Hello International Insiders, hope you’re getting into the Christmas spirit. Tom Grater here delivering a sack full of attention-grabbing headlines from this week of film and TV news.
Insuring The Future
World-beating lifeline: Deadline hears that other nations look on enviously at the UK’s £500M ($665M) coronavirus production insurance scheme, so it’s little wonder that British producers want more of a good thing. Led by Pact CEO John McVay, the film and TV industry is in talks with the government to extend the initiative so that shoots are covered up until June next year, rather than the current cut off of February. Given how receptive ministers have been so far, it will be a surprise if the discussions are not successful.
Why the extension matters: The hope is that it will capture a rush of productions that get cameras rolling during the longer daylight hours of spring...
Insuring The Future
World-beating lifeline: Deadline hears that other nations look on enviously at the UK’s £500M ($665M) coronavirus production insurance scheme, so it’s little wonder that British producers want more of a good thing. Led by Pact CEO John McVay, the film and TV industry is in talks with the government to extend the initiative so that shoots are covered up until June next year, rather than the current cut off of February. Given how receptive ministers have been so far, it will be a surprise if the discussions are not successful.
Why the extension matters: The hope is that it will capture a rush of productions that get cameras rolling during the longer daylight hours of spring...
- 12/18/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Gary Davey, the CEO of Comcast-owned Sky Studios, has announced his decision to retire in summer 2021 after more than a decade with the company.
The Australian executive, who was a stalwart of Rupert Murdoch’s broadcasting empire until the Comcast sale in 2018, set up Sky Studios last year, bringing together the pay-tv giant’s originals commissioning and production under one roof.
He was the managing director of Sky when it first launched in the UK in 1989 and returned to Britain in 2015 as managing director of content after spells in Italy and Germany at other Murdoch-associated TV brands, including Sky Deutschland. He was elevated to Sky Studios CEO in June 2019.
In the 1980s, Davey was employed by News Corporation boss Murdoch to work on special projects at the company’s headquarters in New York and helped launch the Fox Stations Group in the U.S.
In an email to staff,...
The Australian executive, who was a stalwart of Rupert Murdoch’s broadcasting empire until the Comcast sale in 2018, set up Sky Studios last year, bringing together the pay-tv giant’s originals commissioning and production under one roof.
He was the managing director of Sky when it first launched in the UK in 1989 and returned to Britain in 2015 as managing director of content after spells in Italy and Germany at other Murdoch-associated TV brands, including Sky Deutschland. He was elevated to Sky Studios CEO in June 2019.
In the 1980s, Davey was employed by News Corporation boss Murdoch to work on special projects at the company’s headquarters in New York and helped launch the Fox Stations Group in the U.S.
In an email to staff,...
- 12/14/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Gary Davey, CEO of Sky Studios, is stepping down from the post in 2021, with plans to retire.
Davey — a long-time veteran who first joined the company upon its launch in 1989 — was appointed CEO of Sky Studios in June 2019, famously telling the industry that “we only have one rule and that is ‘no rules'” in regards to the fledgling studio’s strategy under new owners Comcast. Since starting up, production banner Sky Studios has delivered 29 series to 15 U.S. networks and platforms, including the likes of “I Hate Suzie,” “The Third Day” and “Hausen.”
Davey was previously managing director of content for pay-tv operator Sky, where he oversaw entertainment, movies and news channels in the U.K. and Ireland, as well as the entertainment offering for Sky Deutschland, where he was executive VP of programming from 2011.
For the majority of his career, Davey worked as a senior executive in the international pay TV industry,...
Davey — a long-time veteran who first joined the company upon its launch in 1989 — was appointed CEO of Sky Studios in June 2019, famously telling the industry that “we only have one rule and that is ‘no rules'” in regards to the fledgling studio’s strategy under new owners Comcast. Since starting up, production banner Sky Studios has delivered 29 series to 15 U.S. networks and platforms, including the likes of “I Hate Suzie,” “The Third Day” and “Hausen.”
Davey was previously managing director of content for pay-tv operator Sky, where he oversaw entertainment, movies and news channels in the U.K. and Ireland, as well as the entertainment offering for Sky Deutschland, where he was executive VP of programming from 2011.
For the majority of his career, Davey worked as a senior executive in the international pay TV industry,...
- 12/14/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Sky Studios, the production arm of Comcast-owned European pay TV giant Sky said on Monday that its CEO Gary Davey would step down next year.
He will continue to lead the team until a new CEO is appointed and leave the company next summer.
“I wanted to let you know that I have decided to step down as CEO of Sky Studios in 2021,” Davey wrote in an internal note seen by THR. “When we launched Sky Studios last June, I could not have dreamed where we would be right now. And I don’t just mean Covid. In ...
He will continue to lead the team until a new CEO is appointed and leave the company next summer.
“I wanted to let you know that I have decided to step down as CEO of Sky Studios in 2021,” Davey wrote in an internal note seen by THR. “When we launched Sky Studios last June, I could not have dreamed where we would be right now. And I don’t just mean Covid. In ...
- 12/14/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sky Studios, the production arm of Comcast-owned European pay TV giant Sky said on Monday that its CEO Gary Davey would step down next year.
He will continue to lead the team until a new CEO is appointed and leave the company next summer.
“I wanted to let you know that I have decided to step down as CEO of Sky Studios in 2021,” Davey wrote in an internal note seen by THR. “When we launched Sky Studios last June, I could not have dreamed where we would be right now. And I don’t just mean Covid. In ...
He will continue to lead the team until a new CEO is appointed and leave the company next summer.
“I wanted to let you know that I have decided to step down as CEO of Sky Studios in 2021,” Davey wrote in an internal note seen by THR. “When we launched Sky Studios last June, I could not have dreamed where we would be right now. And I don’t just mean Covid. In ...
- 12/14/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Six-time Oscar nominee Jim Sheridan is to make his documentary series debut with “Murder at the Cottage: The Search for Justice for Sophie.”
The five-part series examines the murder of television producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier in West Cork, Ireland in 1996.
In 1996, two days before Christmas, Sophie, the wife of French filmmaker Daniel Toscan du Plantier, was murdered at her holiday cottage in Schull, West Cork. The murder rocked the quiet, Irish town and 24 years later, the case remains a mystery. The key suspect, English journalist Ian Bailey – the first reporter on the scene – was quickly arrested by local police following eye-witness reports, yet was never found guilty in Ireland, owing to a lack of reliable evidence. Despite this, Bailey was found guilty in absentia by the French courts in 2019 and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Having successfully fought repeated extradition requests from the French authorities, Bailey still resides in...
The five-part series examines the murder of television producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier in West Cork, Ireland in 1996.
In 1996, two days before Christmas, Sophie, the wife of French filmmaker Daniel Toscan du Plantier, was murdered at her holiday cottage in Schull, West Cork. The murder rocked the quiet, Irish town and 24 years later, the case remains a mystery. The key suspect, English journalist Ian Bailey – the first reporter on the scene – was quickly arrested by local police following eye-witness reports, yet was never found guilty in Ireland, owing to a lack of reliable evidence. Despite this, Bailey was found guilty in absentia by the French courts in 2019 and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Having successfully fought repeated extradition requests from the French authorities, Bailey still resides in...
- 11/16/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, Sky reports its latest Diamond diversity data, Abacus Media sells “Trickster” abroad, Channel 4 commissions a new home remodeling format and Pier 21 announces two executive appointments.
Diversity
Sky in the U.K. has released its latest Diamond diversity data, reporting progress towards diversity targets for original U.K. productions. The Diamond system was created by the TV industry’s Creative Diversity Network (Cdn) to allow broadcasters to collect and use data to track representation across a wide range of characteristics.
Updated numbers show that 25% of Sky’s on-screen talent now comes from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (Bame) backgrounds, surpassing the broadcaster’s initial 20% target. Sky has also reported improved minority representation in senior production roles, reaching 10% for the first time ever. Among writing positions, Bame representation in drama and comedy reached 17%, 9 points up from Sky’s full-year report shared earlier this summer.
Results come...
Diversity
Sky in the U.K. has released its latest Diamond diversity data, reporting progress towards diversity targets for original U.K. productions. The Diamond system was created by the TV industry’s Creative Diversity Network (Cdn) to allow broadcasters to collect and use data to track representation across a wide range of characteristics.
Updated numbers show that 25% of Sky’s on-screen talent now comes from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (Bame) backgrounds, surpassing the broadcaster’s initial 20% target. Sky has also reported improved minority representation in senior production roles, reaching 10% for the first time ever. Among writing positions, Bame representation in drama and comedy reached 17%, 9 points up from Sky’s full-year report shared earlier this summer.
Results come...
- 9/16/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Cameron Roach, Director of Drama at Sky Studios, is leaving his position at the UK producer.
In an internal note to staff, CEO Gary Davey said the exec was departing to “spend more time with his family.”
Roach has been at Sky since 2013, working on shows including Britannia, Bulletproof and Riviera. Since Autumn 2018 he has led Sky Drama in the UK, delivering series including Chernobyl and Gangs of London. He will remain in situ until spring next year.
“Jane Millichip [Sky Studios Chief Content Officer] will work with Cameron and the team to decide how we best organise ourselves for continued success in Drama,” Davey wrote.
“As well as raising the scale, ambition and critical acclaim of Sky Drama, Cameron has been instrumental in Sky’s drive to produce more diverse programming, both in front of and behind the camera,” he continued.
In an internal note to staff, CEO Gary Davey said the exec was departing to “spend more time with his family.”
Roach has been at Sky since 2013, working on shows including Britannia, Bulletproof and Riviera. Since Autumn 2018 he has led Sky Drama in the UK, delivering series including Chernobyl and Gangs of London. He will remain in situ until spring next year.
“Jane Millichip [Sky Studios Chief Content Officer] will work with Cameron and the team to decide how we best organise ourselves for continued success in Drama,” Davey wrote.
“As well as raising the scale, ambition and critical acclaim of Sky Drama, Cameron has been instrumental in Sky’s drive to produce more diverse programming, both in front of and behind the camera,” he continued.
- 9/4/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
In an internal note seen by Variety, Gary Davey, CEO of London-based Sky Studios, has revealed to staff that Cameron Roach is to step down from his role as director of drama at Sky Studios in the spring.
In his memo, Davey wrote: “Cameron has decided to take some time out and spend more time with his family in Manchester.”
Roach joined Sky Drama as commissioning editor in 2013, and worked across a range of titles including Sky Originals “Britannia,” “Bulletproof” and “Riviera.” Since autumn 2018, he has led Sky Drama in the U.K. and during this time the team have delivered hit series including “Chernobyl,” “Gangs of London” and most recently “I Hate Suzie.”
Davey added: “As well as raising the scale, ambition and critical acclaim of Sky Drama, Cameron has been instrumental in Sky’s drive to produce more diverse programming, both in front of and behind the camera.
In his memo, Davey wrote: “Cameron has decided to take some time out and spend more time with his family in Manchester.”
Roach joined Sky Drama as commissioning editor in 2013, and worked across a range of titles including Sky Originals “Britannia,” “Bulletproof” and “Riviera.” Since autumn 2018, he has led Sky Drama in the U.K. and during this time the team have delivered hit series including “Chernobyl,” “Gangs of London” and most recently “I Hate Suzie.”
Davey added: “As well as raising the scale, ambition and critical acclaim of Sky Drama, Cameron has been instrumental in Sky’s drive to produce more diverse programming, both in front of and behind the camera.
- 9/4/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Cameron Roach will in the spring step down from his role as director of drama at Sky’s production and sales arm Sky Studios, the company said on Friday.
The news was shared by Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey in a memo, in which he said Roach would “spend more time with his family.”
No successor was named. Roach has been a key part of the Sky drama team since 2013, executive producing shows such as Britannia, Bulletproof and Riviera.
“Testament to Cameron’s leadership is the wealth of talent that exists within the Sky drama team,” Davey said. “With Jane ...
The news was shared by Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey in a memo, in which he said Roach would “spend more time with his family.”
No successor was named. Roach has been a key part of the Sky drama team since 2013, executive producing shows such as Britannia, Bulletproof and Riviera.
“Testament to Cameron’s leadership is the wealth of talent that exists within the Sky drama team,” Davey said. “With Jane ...
Cameron Roach will in the spring step down from his role as director of drama at Sky’s production and sales arm Sky Studios, the company said on Friday.
The news was shared by Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey in a memo, in which he said Roach would “spend more time with his family.”
No successor was named. Roach has been a key part of the Sky drama team since 2013, executive producing shows such as Britannia, Bulletproof and Riviera.
“Testament to Cameron’s leadership is the wealth of talent that exists within the Sky drama team,” Davey said. “With Jane ...
The news was shared by Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey in a memo, in which he said Roach would “spend more time with his family.”
No successor was named. Roach has been a key part of the Sky drama team since 2013, executive producing shows such as Britannia, Bulletproof and Riviera.
“Testament to Cameron’s leadership is the wealth of talent that exists within the Sky drama team,” Davey said. “With Jane ...
Exclusive: Cameras are rolling again on Sky’s Ancient Rome series Domina, marking the broadcaster’s largest-scale production to get back underway to date.
Cast and crew have returned to set at historic studios Cinecitta in Italian capital Rome following several weeks of pre-production work after the country’s lockdown was eased. The show is led by Kasia Smutniak (Dolittle), Liam Cunningham (Game Of Thrones) and Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet).
The production is employing a variety of virus preventative measures including distancing on set, making sure everyone completes safety training prior to accessing the site, and creating dedicated pools of crew and actors, with closed sets when possible. Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey recently said the company was also working with producers to create virus-related contingency in the event of further lockdowns.
As Deadline reported last month, Sky is edging closer to being back underway on a number of big-ticket shows.
Cast and crew have returned to set at historic studios Cinecitta in Italian capital Rome following several weeks of pre-production work after the country’s lockdown was eased. The show is led by Kasia Smutniak (Dolittle), Liam Cunningham (Game Of Thrones) and Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet).
The production is employing a variety of virus preventative measures including distancing on set, making sure everyone completes safety training prior to accessing the site, and creating dedicated pools of crew and actors, with closed sets when possible. Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey recently said the company was also working with producers to create virus-related contingency in the event of further lockdowns.
As Deadline reported last month, Sky is edging closer to being back underway on a number of big-ticket shows.
- 7/31/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The UK government has listened to months of industry lobbying and launched an emergency £500M ($646M) film and TV coronavirus production insurance fund, which will effectively underwrite the cost of shoots closing in the event of a second lockdown.
The insurance solution is a significant boost to producers who have been looking for a way to return to production without exposing themselves to potentially catastrophic financial risk. It’s also good news for countless out-of-work freelancers, with Pact CEO John McVay reckoning it could open the floodgates to a backlog of shoots worth an estimated £1Bn ($1.3Bn).
Here are the main details of the Film And TV Production Restart Scheme:
The fund only covers delays relating to coronavirus The cash will only be available until June 2021, but losses can be backdated Compensation for Covid delays will be granted up to a value of 20% of the production budget. Compensation for abandoning...
The insurance solution is a significant boost to producers who have been looking for a way to return to production without exposing themselves to potentially catastrophic financial risk. It’s also good news for countless out-of-work freelancers, with Pact CEO John McVay reckoning it could open the floodgates to a backlog of shoots worth an estimated £1Bn ($1.3Bn).
Here are the main details of the Film And TV Production Restart Scheme:
The fund only covers delays relating to coronavirus The cash will only be available until June 2021, but losses can be backdated Compensation for Covid delays will be granted up to a value of 20% of the production budget. Compensation for abandoning...
- 7/29/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Happy Friday readers. Tom Grater checking in with your weekly dose of international news. Here are some Deadline headlines from the past seven days that you need to read. If you want to subscribe to get this alert in a timely fashion, sign up here.
1. Scoop: Coronavirus Sticks Knife In ‘Killing Eve’
Killer blow: Killing Eve has had to abandon its plans to film in August, my colleague Jake Kanter reveals. The show’s jigsaw puzzle-like European location shoot has proved too complicated at this point in the pandemic, and producer Sid Gentle Films is yet to set a restart date. Read the full story here.
Unsettling reminder: Killing Eve‘s quandary is a reminder that, even as swathes of shows start to come back online over the coming weeks, producers can’t solve every problem with a bible of safety protocols. Away from tightly controlled studios, location shoots will...
1. Scoop: Coronavirus Sticks Knife In ‘Killing Eve’
Killer blow: Killing Eve has had to abandon its plans to film in August, my colleague Jake Kanter reveals. The show’s jigsaw puzzle-like European location shoot has proved too complicated at this point in the pandemic, and producer Sid Gentle Films is yet to set a restart date. Read the full story here.
Unsettling reminder: Killing Eve‘s quandary is a reminder that, even as swathes of shows start to come back online over the coming weeks, producers can’t solve every problem with a bible of safety protocols. Away from tightly controlled studios, location shoots will...
- 7/24/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
An influential group of British Parliamentarians has called on the government to set up an emergency film and TV production insurance fund to help get cameras rolling again across the UK.
In a report on the impact of coronavirus on the UK’s cultural sectors, the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee said that without an insurance solution, efforts to get shoots back underway are “doomed to failure.”
The MPs said: “Government must address the urgent need for the UK’s cultural industries to be covered by adequate insurance… Alongside working with the insurance industry to introduce a long-term pandemic reinsurance scheme, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport should establish an emergency fund to guarantee coverage for TV and film productions, stage productions, concerts and tours interrupted or abandoned due to Covid-19.”
Deadline revealed earlier this month that there has been constructive talks between the...
In a report on the impact of coronavirus on the UK’s cultural sectors, the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee said that without an insurance solution, efforts to get shoots back underway are “doomed to failure.”
The MPs said: “Government must address the urgent need for the UK’s cultural industries to be covered by adequate insurance… Alongside working with the insurance industry to introduce a long-term pandemic reinsurance scheme, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport should establish an emergency fund to guarantee coverage for TV and film productions, stage productions, concerts and tours interrupted or abandoned due to Covid-19.”
Deadline revealed earlier this month that there has been constructive talks between the...
- 7/23/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast-backed Sky Studios has revealed that it is collaborating with producers to rework major drama series in the event that the UK heads back into another Covid-induced lockdown.
Deadline reported last week that series including Sky/Epix co-production Britannia and A Discovery Of Witches, which is made in partnership with AMC, will be back in production by the end of September.
Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey confirmed this during a virtual Broadcasting Press Guild lunch on Wednesday, but said producers are putting in place contingency plans if shoots have to shut down again. This includes writing exit routes into scripts, in case shows have to wrap early.
He said: “In order to be cautious about whether or not there is a second wave of Covid, it’s been a really interesting exercise to rethink the editorial of a lot of the shows, especially the bigger shows.
“So, for example,...
Deadline reported last week that series including Sky/Epix co-production Britannia and A Discovery Of Witches, which is made in partnership with AMC, will be back in production by the end of September.
Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey confirmed this during a virtual Broadcasting Press Guild lunch on Wednesday, but said producers are putting in place contingency plans if shoots have to shut down again. This includes writing exit routes into scripts, in case shows have to wrap early.
He said: “In order to be cautious about whether or not there is a second wave of Covid, it’s been a really interesting exercise to rethink the editorial of a lot of the shows, especially the bigger shows.
“So, for example,...
- 7/22/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Great British Bake Off is now two weeks back into production and will likely return to television later this year, according to producer Love Productions’ parent company Sky Studios.
The baking competition series, which is shown by Channel 4 in the UK and Netflix in the U.S. (where it is known as The Great British Baking Show), was blown off course by the pandemic after it was meant to begin filming in April.
But Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey and chief commercial officer Jane Millichip offered fans some good news on Wednesday, with the former revealing that filming is “going very well.”
Cast and crew, including new presenter Matt Lucas, were quarantined in the run-up to the shoot to allow close interaction on-set. There have also been reports that the show has moved to a more Covid-friendly location from its usual Welford Park home.
Millichip would not comment on this directly,...
The baking competition series, which is shown by Channel 4 in the UK and Netflix in the U.S. (where it is known as The Great British Baking Show), was blown off course by the pandemic after it was meant to begin filming in April.
But Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey and chief commercial officer Jane Millichip offered fans some good news on Wednesday, with the former revealing that filming is “going very well.”
Cast and crew, including new presenter Matt Lucas, were quarantined in the run-up to the shoot to allow close interaction on-set. There have also been reports that the show has moved to a more Covid-friendly location from its usual Welford Park home.
Millichip would not comment on this directly,...
- 7/22/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
“This has been a hell of a year,” Gary Davey, CEO of Sky Studios, the production arm of Comcast-owned European pay-tv operator Sky, said Wednesday, contemplating the carnage caused by Covid. Davey said it was “the most challenging year” he’d had since 1985, the year he launched Sky Channel.
Sky Studios, which was set up a year ago, had to close down 29 productions because of the pandemic, and has so far managed to get nine back into production. The company is now making contingency plans just in case there is a spike in Covid infections later this year.
Davey, who was on a Zoom call with members of the U.K.’s Broadcasting Press Guild, alongside Jane Millichip, Sky Studios’ chief commercial officer, said the order in which shows are being put back into production is primarily driven by their delivery dates and the needs of the programming schedule.
Sky Studios, which was set up a year ago, had to close down 29 productions because of the pandemic, and has so far managed to get nine back into production. The company is now making contingency plans just in case there is a spike in Covid infections later this year.
Davey, who was on a Zoom call with members of the U.K.’s Broadcasting Press Guild, alongside Jane Millichip, Sky Studios’ chief commercial officer, said the order in which shows are being put back into production is primarily driven by their delivery dates and the needs of the programming schedule.
- 7/22/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Sky Studios Elstree, the large-scale film and TV production facility being developed by Comcast’s European pay-tv operator Sky, sister company NBCUniversal, and finance firm Legal & General, has received the green light to proceed with construction following a decision late Wednesday by the local government, Hertsmere Borough Council.
According to Sky, the studios are likely to generate up to an additional £3 billion ($3.79 million) of production investment in the U.K.’s economy in the first five years of operation. Sky Studios Elstree will become home to a host of Sky Originals, created by Sky Studios, as well as major film productions from Universal Pictures, Focus Features and Working Title, and television series from Universal Studio Group. Independent producers will also be welcome.
The final design for the facility sees 12 sound stages on site, with the ability to merge together and sub-divide sound stages to accommodate productions of all sizes, Sky said.
According to Sky, the studios are likely to generate up to an additional £3 billion ($3.79 million) of production investment in the U.K.’s economy in the first five years of operation. Sky Studios Elstree will become home to a host of Sky Originals, created by Sky Studios, as well as major film productions from Universal Pictures, Focus Features and Working Title, and television series from Universal Studio Group. Independent producers will also be welcome.
The final design for the facility sees 12 sound stages on site, with the ability to merge together and sub-divide sound stages to accommodate productions of all sizes, Sky said.
- 7/9/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey: What We’ve Learned From Week One of Post-Pandemic Production (Exclusive)
Sky Studios, which develops, produces and funds original drama, comedy and documentary for Comcast-backed Sky’s 24 million pay-tv subscribers, returned to production on two shows this week – “Ich und die Anderen” in Austria and “Sisterhood” in Iceland. In a guest column written exclusively for Variety, Gary Davey, CEO of Sky Studios, shares learnings from the first week back in production, including tips from the production team on the ground.
A year ago today, we launched Sky Studios. If you’d told me then that 12 months later, a global pandemic would have disrupted the everyday lives of people across the globe, causing tragic deaths, social isolation and economic uncertainty, I would have told you to walk down the hall and speak to our development team in drama. It sounds like a fantasy, but sadly, few people in the world have been unaffected by the devastating impact of Covid-19 over these past few months.
A year ago today, we launched Sky Studios. If you’d told me then that 12 months later, a global pandemic would have disrupted the everyday lives of people across the globe, causing tragic deaths, social isolation and economic uncertainty, I would have told you to walk down the hall and speak to our development team in drama. It sounds like a fantasy, but sadly, few people in the world have been unaffected by the devastating impact of Covid-19 over these past few months.
- 6/12/2020
- by Gary Davey
- Variety Film + TV
Sky Studios has taken a minority stake in Longboat Pictures, the UK-based drama producer co-founded by BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated director Julie Anne Robinson and former ITV commissioner Victoria Fea.
The financial details of the deal and the size of the Sky stake were not disclosed. It represents the Comcast-owned company’s second drama investment in recent weeks after it partnered with The Lighthouse, the production outfit established by former BBC Studios drama chiefs Hilary Salmon, Radford Neville and Nick Betts.
Sky said the deal will enable Longboat to strengthen and expand its creative team. The producer will work closely with Sky Studios to develop content for Sky channels and other networks.
Longboat was founded in 2018. Robinson developed and executive produced The Catch with Shonda Rhimes, and the NBC series I Feel Bad alongside Amy Poehler. Her director credits include Nurse Jackie and Orange Is The New Black, and...
The financial details of the deal and the size of the Sky stake were not disclosed. It represents the Comcast-owned company’s second drama investment in recent weeks after it partnered with The Lighthouse, the production outfit established by former BBC Studios drama chiefs Hilary Salmon, Radford Neville and Nick Betts.
Sky said the deal will enable Longboat to strengthen and expand its creative team. The producer will work closely with Sky Studios to develop content for Sky channels and other networks.
Longboat was founded in 2018. Robinson developed and executive produced The Catch with Shonda Rhimes, and the NBC series I Feel Bad alongside Amy Poehler. Her director credits include Nurse Jackie and Orange Is The New Black, and...
- 5/6/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky Studios has taken a minority stake in new drama producer Longboat Pictures, founded by “Bridgerton” director Julie Anne Robinson and former ITV executive Victoria Fea.
The outfit was founded in 2019 by Los Angeles-based director-producer Robinson and ex-itv commissioner Fea. The deal marks the latest investment for Sky Studios, which recently took a minority stake in “Luther” producer Hilary Salmon’s new outfit The Lighthouse, and previously invested in Wendy Darke’s natural history outfit True to Nature.
Under the deal, Sky Studios’ investment will allow Longboat to accelerate growth and expand its creative team. The production outfit will work with Sky Studios to develop content for distribution on the Sky platforms, as well as other networks.
Robinson previously directed both theater and award-winning TV shows in the U.K., before moving to Los Angeles, where her directing credits include “The Good Place,” “Orange is the New Black” and “Grace & Frankie.
The outfit was founded in 2019 by Los Angeles-based director-producer Robinson and ex-itv commissioner Fea. The deal marks the latest investment for Sky Studios, which recently took a minority stake in “Luther” producer Hilary Salmon’s new outfit The Lighthouse, and previously invested in Wendy Darke’s natural history outfit True to Nature.
Under the deal, Sky Studios’ investment will allow Longboat to accelerate growth and expand its creative team. The production outfit will work with Sky Studios to develop content for distribution on the Sky platforms, as well as other networks.
Robinson previously directed both theater and award-winning TV shows in the U.K., before moving to Los Angeles, where her directing credits include “The Good Place,” “Orange is the New Black” and “Grace & Frankie.
- 5/6/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Sky Studios has signed an exclusive deal with Philipp Leinemann, under which the German filmmaker will develop, write and direct local and international dramas for the company.
His 2014 debut film Wir Waren Könige (The King’s Surrender) won awards including best feature at the Torino Film Festival, while his German TV series Tempel is being developed in the U.S. by Shades of Blue and Eyewitness creator Adi Hasak and Dynamic Television.
Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey said: “This is great news for Sky Studios’ ambitions in Germany. Phillip is a top-level talent with the creativity and work ethic that is a perfect fit for us.”
Leinemann added: “Sky is now offering me the opportunity to tell bold and ambitious stories and to develop freely. It reminds me why I came into film-making in the first place and I have a great sense of excitement and joy.”...
His 2014 debut film Wir Waren Könige (The King’s Surrender) won awards including best feature at the Torino Film Festival, while his German TV series Tempel is being developed in the U.S. by Shades of Blue and Eyewitness creator Adi Hasak and Dynamic Television.
Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey said: “This is great news for Sky Studios’ ambitions in Germany. Phillip is a top-level talent with the creativity and work ethic that is a perfect fit for us.”
Leinemann added: “Sky is now offering me the opportunity to tell bold and ambitious stories and to develop freely. It reminds me why I came into film-making in the first place and I have a great sense of excitement and joy.”...
- 4/30/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky Studios, the production arm of Comcast’s European pay-tv operator Sky, has taken a minority stake in The Lighthouse. The drama series production outfit was founded last fall by Hilary Salmon, Radford Neville and Nick Betts – three of the U.K.’s most experienced television professionals.
Salmon, former head of drama for BBC Studios, has developed and produced many hit dramas, including “Luther,” “Three Girls,” “MotherFatherSon,” “Rillington Place” and “Silent Witness.” Prior to this she was executive producer on both the BAFTA award-winning series “Criminal Justice,” and the multi-Emmy winning U.S. reversion of the show for HBO – “The Night Of.” Salmon has also co-produced other shows with HBO, including “Five Days” and “House of Saddam,” which won a Grierson Award.
Neville was previously managing director of drama at BBC Studios, and prior to this worked as head of production in drama, overseeing international hit series including “Doctor Who...
Salmon, former head of drama for BBC Studios, has developed and produced many hit dramas, including “Luther,” “Three Girls,” “MotherFatherSon,” “Rillington Place” and “Silent Witness.” Prior to this she was executive producer on both the BAFTA award-winning series “Criminal Justice,” and the multi-Emmy winning U.S. reversion of the show for HBO – “The Night Of.” Salmon has also co-produced other shows with HBO, including “Five Days” and “House of Saddam,” which won a Grierson Award.
Neville was previously managing director of drama at BBC Studios, and prior to this worked as head of production in drama, overseeing international hit series including “Doctor Who...
- 4/23/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Comcast-owned Sky Studios has taken a minority stake in The Lighthouse, the production outfit established by former BBC Studios drama chiefs Hilary Salmon, Radford Neville and Nick Betts.
Deadline revealed last October that Salmon had left BBC Studios to launch The Lighthouse, and Sky Studios has swooped to invest in the company, having opened talks over a partnership prior to the coronavirus crisis. Financial details or the size of Sky’s stake were not disclosed.
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Salmon oversaw series including Luther and Richard Gere’s MotherFatherSon during a two-decade spell with BBC Studios. Betts was previously managing director of scripted at BBC Studios,...
Deadline revealed last October that Salmon had left BBC Studios to launch The Lighthouse, and Sky Studios has swooped to invest in the company, having opened talks over a partnership prior to the coronavirus crisis. Financial details or the size of Sky’s stake were not disclosed.
More from DeadlineIndependent Spirit Awards Redresses Female Balance With Wins For Lulu Wang, Olivia Wilde & Julia Reichert - Complete Winners ListRomesh Ranganathan, Star Of Showtime's 'Just Another Immigrant', Strikes First-Look Script Deal With SkyJeff Collins To Head New Sky Studios-Backed U.S.-Based Unscripted Production Company Catalina Content
Salmon oversaw series including Luther and Richard Gere’s MotherFatherSon during a two-decade spell with BBC Studios. Betts was previously managing director of scripted at BBC Studios,...
- 4/23/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast-owned pay-tv broadcaster Sky is to donate £500,000 to the emergency relief fund recently established to support the U.K.’s creative community in the wake of Covid-19.
The donation to the new Covid-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund, set up by the Film and TV Charity in partnership with the BFI, adds to initial donations of £2.5 million ($3.1 million) from Netflix, the BFI, BBC Studios, BBC Content, WarnerMedia and several private donors.
The fund is providing grants to the many thousands of workers and freelancers who have been affected by the suspension of productions across the U.K.
It opened for applications last week, amid research that showed that 93% of industry freelancers are no longer working due to the coronavirus crisis.
The fund is making one-off grants of between £500 ($624) and £2,500 based on need.
Sky has made a number of commitments to help during the coronavirus crisis including supporting NHS...
The donation to the new Covid-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund, set up by the Film and TV Charity in partnership with the BFI, adds to initial donations of £2.5 million ($3.1 million) from Netflix, the BFI, BBC Studios, BBC Content, WarnerMedia and several private donors.
The fund is providing grants to the many thousands of workers and freelancers who have been affected by the suspension of productions across the U.K.
It opened for applications last week, amid research that showed that 93% of industry freelancers are no longer working due to the coronavirus crisis.
The fund is making one-off grants of between £500 ($624) and £2,500 based on need.
Sky has made a number of commitments to help during the coronavirus crisis including supporting NHS...
- 4/16/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Sky, the Comcast-owned European pay-tv giant, has pledged to donate £500,000 to the Covid-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund set up by the BFI and the UK’s Film And TV Charity.
Sky’s announcement follows similar donations from the BBC, Netflix, the BFI and WarnerMedia to fund, which is providing grants of up to £2,500 to workers and freelancers who have been directly affected by the closure of productions across the UK.
The donation is set to raise the value of the fund to more than £3M and applications for grants opened last week. People can apply on the Film And TV Charity’s website, with the window for submissions...
Sky’s announcement follows similar donations from the BBC, Netflix, the BFI and WarnerMedia to fund, which is providing grants of up to £2,500 to workers and freelancers who have been directly affected by the closure of productions across the UK.
The donation is set to raise the value of the fund to more than £3M and applications for grants opened last week. People can apply on the Film And TV Charity’s website, with the window for submissions...
- 4/16/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky Studios and Italy’s The Apartment, the Fremantle-owned production company headed by Lorenzo Mieli, have forged a multi-year development and production partnership that marks Sky’s first agreement of this type outside the U.K.
Under the deal, Sky Studios, which is the Comcast-owned pay-tv broadcaster dedicated production arm, will provide The Apartment development funding for a minimum of three shows alongside a commitment to produce.
Mieli, a co-founder of Fremantle’s Wildside and the producer behind globally successful shows such as “The Young Pope” and “My Brilliant Friend,” as well as Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming “We Are Who We Are,” founded The Apartment, which is a separate Italian Fremantle unit, in January 2020 as an incubator of high-end projects for the international market.
Speaking to Variety, Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey underlined that “the objective that Lorenzo and I have agreed [on] is that we will be primarily looking for international projects.
Under the deal, Sky Studios, which is the Comcast-owned pay-tv broadcaster dedicated production arm, will provide The Apartment development funding for a minimum of three shows alongside a commitment to produce.
Mieli, a co-founder of Fremantle’s Wildside and the producer behind globally successful shows such as “The Young Pope” and “My Brilliant Friend,” as well as Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming “We Are Who We Are,” founded The Apartment, which is a separate Italian Fremantle unit, in January 2020 as an incubator of high-end projects for the international market.
Speaking to Variety, Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey underlined that “the objective that Lorenzo and I have agreed [on] is that we will be primarily looking for international projects.
- 2/19/2020
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. pay-tv broadcaster Sky says its efforts to improve diversity on screen are paying off, but that it has more to do to improve the representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic (Bame) writers.
In the 12 months to the end of September 2019, Bame representation on screen was 31%, ahead of Sky’s published target of 20%. The figures originate from the Comcast-owned broadcaster’s interim results from its tracking of Bame inclusivity on screen and behind the camera across its entertainment channels.
Sky said that at least one person from a Bame background now holds a senior production role across all Sky-commissioned shows.
However, one area that continues to be a focus is writing talent, after the data revealed just 8% of writers were Bame against the company target of 20%.
Sky says it has several programs aimed at addressing areas of ongoing underrepresentation. Sky Table Reads is a monthly event launched in 2015, led by Sky Drama,...
In the 12 months to the end of September 2019, Bame representation on screen was 31%, ahead of Sky’s published target of 20%. The figures originate from the Comcast-owned broadcaster’s interim results from its tracking of Bame inclusivity on screen and behind the camera across its entertainment channels.
Sky said that at least one person from a Bame background now holds a senior production role across all Sky-commissioned shows.
However, one area that continues to be a focus is writing talent, after the data revealed just 8% of writers were Bame against the company target of 20%.
Sky says it has several programs aimed at addressing areas of ongoing underrepresentation. Sky Table Reads is a monthly event launched in 2015, led by Sky Drama,...
- 2/6/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
British pay-tv broadcaster Sky has unveiled its latest diversity figures, highlighting its success on screen although it is struggling with its own writer quotas.
In 2014, the Comcast-backed company became one of the first British TV firms to put its own quotas in place, targeting 20% of onscreen roles and 20% of writing positions going to black, Asian and minority ethic people.
In the 12 months to end of September 2019, it revealed that on-screen representation was 31%, above its own target. However, it also noted that only 8% of writers were Bame. Separately, it has also had success by putting at least one person from a Bame background in a senior production role across its original series.
Sky has several schemes aimed at addressing areas of ongoing underrepresentation. For example, Sky Table Reads is a monthly event launched in 2015, that spotlights writers from Bame background and provides an opportunity for casting directors to introduce diverse...
In 2014, the Comcast-backed company became one of the first British TV firms to put its own quotas in place, targeting 20% of onscreen roles and 20% of writing positions going to black, Asian and minority ethic people.
In the 12 months to end of September 2019, it revealed that on-screen representation was 31%, above its own target. However, it also noted that only 8% of writers were Bame. Separately, it has also had success by putting at least one person from a Bame background in a senior production role across its original series.
Sky has several schemes aimed at addressing areas of ongoing underrepresentation. For example, Sky Table Reads is a monthly event launched in 2015, that spotlights writers from Bame background and provides an opportunity for casting directors to introduce diverse...
- 2/6/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky Studios has signed a first-look script deal with comedy and entertainment indie Ranga Bee, the production company founded by BAFTA-nominated comedian Romesh Ranganathan and Emmy-winning executive producer and director Benjamin Green.
Ranga Bee will work directly with Sky Studios to develop projects for Sky, with co-developed projects to be executive produced by Jon Mountague, director of comedy at Sky Studios. The development funding will also allow Ranga Bee to draw top talent to work on projects for Sky Studios, which will be distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution.
Ranga Bee has an established relationship with Sky following two successful seasons of “The Reluctant Landlord,” a semi-autobiographical sitcom in which Ranganathan inherits a pub he doesn’t really want. The comedian has also worked on “Romesh Presents,” a series of 10 shorts for new and emerging comedy talent on Sky One, while appearing as a regular panelist on Sky One’s “A League of Their Own,...
Ranga Bee will work directly with Sky Studios to develop projects for Sky, with co-developed projects to be executive produced by Jon Mountague, director of comedy at Sky Studios. The development funding will also allow Ranga Bee to draw top talent to work on projects for Sky Studios, which will be distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution.
Ranga Bee has an established relationship with Sky following two successful seasons of “The Reluctant Landlord,” a semi-autobiographical sitcom in which Ranganathan inherits a pub he doesn’t really want. The comedian has also worked on “Romesh Presents,” a series of 10 shorts for new and emerging comedy talent on Sky One, while appearing as a regular panelist on Sky One’s “A League of Their Own,...
- 2/3/2020
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Romesh Ranganathan, the British comedian behind Showtime’s Just Another Immigrant, has struck a first-look script deal with Sky Studios.
The comedian and his production partner Benjamin Green, who run production company Ranga Bee, are developing new projects with the Comcast-backed broadcaster.
This comes after the launch of the second season of Sky comedy The Reluctant Landlord, a semi-autobiographical sitcom created by and starring Ranganathan, in which he inherits a pub that he doesn’t really want. The comedian has also developed Romesh Presents, a series of ten shorts for new and emerging comedy talent on Sky One, and is a regular panellist on Sky One’s A League of Their Own.
The development funding will allow Ranga Bee to attract talent to work on the projects, which will be exec produced by Jon Mountague, Director of Comedy at Sky Studios. Any projects out of the deal will be distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution.
The comedian and his production partner Benjamin Green, who run production company Ranga Bee, are developing new projects with the Comcast-backed broadcaster.
This comes after the launch of the second season of Sky comedy The Reluctant Landlord, a semi-autobiographical sitcom created by and starring Ranganathan, in which he inherits a pub that he doesn’t really want. The comedian has also developed Romesh Presents, a series of ten shorts for new and emerging comedy talent on Sky One, and is a regular panellist on Sky One’s A League of Their Own.
The development funding will allow Ranga Bee to attract talent to work on the projects, which will be exec produced by Jon Mountague, Director of Comedy at Sky Studios. Any projects out of the deal will be distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution.
- 2/3/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky has inked a first-look deal with Sharon Horgan’s Merman TV. The pay-tv broadcaster has signed a two-year deal with the Catastrophe co-producer.
The deal comes via Sky Studios and includes overhead and development funding as well as a first-look distribution deal.
Merman recently worked with Comcast-backed Sky on Australian co-production Frayed. It will use the money to expand its UK scripted team to develop new drama and comedy projects for Sky.
NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales for co-developed projects.
Merman was founded by Horgan and Clelia Mountford. It produces series including This Way Up for Hulu/Channel 4, There She Goes for BBC/Britbox and Motherland for BBC2 as well as U.S. shows such as Shining Vale for Starz, Therapy Dog for Fox, Guru for Amazon and Delilah for HBO Max.
Gary Davey, CEO Sky Studios, said, “When we launched Sky Studios we said...
The deal comes via Sky Studios and includes overhead and development funding as well as a first-look distribution deal.
Merman recently worked with Comcast-backed Sky on Australian co-production Frayed. It will use the money to expand its UK scripted team to develop new drama and comedy projects for Sky.
NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales for co-developed projects.
Merman was founded by Horgan and Clelia Mountford. It produces series including This Way Up for Hulu/Channel 4, There She Goes for BBC/Britbox and Motherland for BBC2 as well as U.S. shows such as Shining Vale for Starz, Therapy Dog for Fox, Guru for Amazon and Delilah for HBO Max.
Gary Davey, CEO Sky Studios, said, “When we launched Sky Studios we said...
- 12/4/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky Studios has signed a funding and first-look distribution deal with Merman TV, the company founded by “Catastrophe” writer Sharon Horgan and Clelia Mountford. The two-year agreement covers overhead and development funding for Merman, which has won three BAFTA television awards.
Sky Studios is pay-tv broadcaster Sky’s new dedicated production arm, which is being ramped up to give Sky a stronger foothold in developing and making original shows. “When we launched Sky Studios we said we wanted to work with Europe’s top creatives, and that’s exactly what Sharon and Clelia are,” said Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey. “Together, they have a unique ability to take a sideways look at the ordinary and make it outrageously funny while making you care deeply about their characters along the way.”
Sky and Merman have already worked together on “Frayed,” a co-production with ABC in Australia. Under the new deal, Merman...
Sky Studios is pay-tv broadcaster Sky’s new dedicated production arm, which is being ramped up to give Sky a stronger foothold in developing and making original shows. “When we launched Sky Studios we said we wanted to work with Europe’s top creatives, and that’s exactly what Sharon and Clelia are,” said Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey. “Together, they have a unique ability to take a sideways look at the ordinary and make it outrageously funny while making you care deeply about their characters along the way.”
Sky and Merman have already worked together on “Frayed,” a co-production with ABC in Australia. Under the new deal, Merman...
- 12/4/2019
- by Henry Chu
- Variety Film + TV
WarnerMedia has extended its carriage and co-production deal with the UK’s Sky, which will keep HBO programming in the European markets, among other perks. This new agreement will also keep going the production partnership that yielded “Chernobyl” (pictured above) and “Catherine the Great.”
Sky and Now TV customers continue to get WarnerMedia’s Turner channels, and the agreement extends the pay-tv rights for Warner Bros. first-run feature films. Sky will also get more on-demand content from Cartoon Network and Boomerang.
On the co-creation side, Sky Studios will work with HBO Max’s programming team on scripted fare under a multiyear co-production deal.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Also Read: HBO Max: Everything We Learned From WarnerMedia's Streaming Event
“Our partnership with HBO, and now Warner Media, has never been stronger as Sky continues to thrive as Europe’s leading direct-to-consumer media and entertainment business,” Gary Davey, the CEO of Sky Studios,...
Sky and Now TV customers continue to get WarnerMedia’s Turner channels, and the agreement extends the pay-tv rights for Warner Bros. first-run feature films. Sky will also get more on-demand content from Cartoon Network and Boomerang.
On the co-creation side, Sky Studios will work with HBO Max’s programming team on scripted fare under a multiyear co-production deal.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Also Read: HBO Max: Everything We Learned From WarnerMedia's Streaming Event
“Our partnership with HBO, and now Warner Media, has never been stronger as Sky continues to thrive as Europe’s leading direct-to-consumer media and entertainment business,” Gary Davey, the CEO of Sky Studios,...
- 10/30/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Sky has secured its pipeline of HBO content and will work on new shows with the U.S. cable network and its upcoming streaming service under the terms of a new deal announced Wednesday.
The deal had been widely expected and is believed to run for five years. Besides HBO shows, the new agreement also gives Sky content from Warner Bros. and from Turner channels.
Comcast-owned Sky is the biggest pay-tv operator in Europe. Based in the U.K., its core footprint also spans Italy and Germany. It has invested heavily in original content and is taking those efforts a step further with its recently minted Sky Studios operation. Sky and WarnerMedia-owned HBO have recently worked together on co-productions including “Chernobyl,” a multiple winner at the Emmys.
The two companies first agreed to an output deal in 2010, making Sky the home of HBO in Europe and helping it...
The deal had been widely expected and is believed to run for five years. Besides HBO shows, the new agreement also gives Sky content from Warner Bros. and from Turner channels.
Comcast-owned Sky is the biggest pay-tv operator in Europe. Based in the U.K., its core footprint also spans Italy and Germany. It has invested heavily in original content and is taking those efforts a step further with its recently minted Sky Studios operation. Sky and WarnerMedia-owned HBO have recently worked together on co-productions including “Chernobyl,” a multiple winner at the Emmys.
The two companies first agreed to an output deal in 2010, making Sky the home of HBO in Europe and helping it...
- 10/30/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
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