Sky to double investment in originals
June 12, 2019
Sky has unveiled plans for Sky Studios, a new Europe-wide development and production capability. With the backing of new owners Comcast, under the Sky Studios plan Sky’s investment in originals will more than double from the current level over the next five years.
The announcement comes after the recent smash hit success of Chernobyl (pictured) which has been the most successful Sky original production ever, a record number of BAFTA winners for Sky, as well as several other European successes such as Das Boot and Gomorrah.
Sky says its increasing success with original productions, coupled with the ability to partner with NBC and Universal, puts it in a strong position to extend its leadership in this increasingly global, profitable, and strategically important area.
Sky Studios will create new productions for Sky channels, NBC Broadcast and cable, and Universal Pictures as well as for other distribution outlets.
Jeremy Darroch, Group Chief Executive, Sky, said: “This is a transformational development for us. Sky Studios will drive our vision to be the leading force in European content development and production. Our ambition is to make Sky Studios famous for quality content and a place where Europe’s top creatives will want to do their best work. Being part of Comcast enables us to increase our investment and to maximise the advantage and leverage of the Sky Group and our partners, NBCUniversal. This is a clear signal of Comcast’s belief in our commitment to producing the best original content in Europe.”
Sky Studios will produce and develop original content across all genres, with a focus on drama and comedy. With the emphasis firmly on quality, Sky Studios plans to double the amount of originals currently produced by Sky. It will work in close collaboration with local Sky leadership teams.
Production will begin next month on Sky Studios’ first international project, a 6-part drama called The Third Day, a co-production with HBO and starring Jude Law.
Sky Studios will be led by Gary Davey, CEO, who is currently Sky UK’s Managing Director of Content.
Davey added: “This exciting new venture is perfectly timed to meet the growing content demands of our customers. We look forward to working with the whole creative community, from individual creators to the big independent producers to produce more of the original content our customers love.”