HBO, Sky launch new global drama powerhouse
April 20, 2017
HBO and Sky have developed reputations as homes for the most highly-acclaimed television series. They have now joined forces to oversee a development slate of world class drama series. The focus of the arrangement will be on high end productions that feature engaging stories with international points of view and casting.
A panel of executives from both organisations will be responsible for greenlighting the projects. The HBO and Sky partnership will be open to pitches from across the creative community, in both the US and Europe, and is looking for ideas consistent with the content strategies of HBO in North America and the Sky Atlantic brand in Europe. The partners say this is an “unrivalled” opportunity for production companies to have their content broadcast by two of the leading brands in worldwide television.
Within two years, the partnership anticipates reaching a consistent output, green-lighting at least two drama projects per year with the first project coming to screen in 2018. The new venture represents an exciting opportunity for HBO and Sky to work together to offer their consumers ‘exclusive’ access to some of the world’s very best drama and reflects both parties’ commitment to continued investment in content our customers love.
The first projects of the partnership have been initiated in development, with announcements expected in the coming weeks.
“Sky has been a great partner for us and this deal allows even deeper collaboration between our two great companies, which have long tradition in creating superior content for our customers,” declared Richard Plepler, Chairman and CEO of HBO. “Together we represent the best in television and combined we will raise the bar even higher in pay-TV programming.”
“HBO and Sky have for many years shared a common creative culture and a common vision for the development of high quality drama,” noted Jeremy Darroch, Group CEO of Sky. “This new venture deepens that relationship, maintains our leadership position in world-class content, provides great opportunities for indies and gives our customers even more opportunity to enjoy brilliant storytelling,” he added.