Sky Studios to double spending on original content
David Farnor | On 14, Jun 2019
Sky Studios is planning to more than double its investment in original content, spending £1 billion on new series.
Sky has just enjoyed a smash hit success with Chernobyl, the most successful Sky original production ever. With a record number of BAFTA winners for Sky this year, as well as several other European successes such as Das Boot and Gomorrah, Sky now plans to more than double its production spend from the current level over the next five years.
The expansion of its new Europe-wide development and production arm is possible thanks to the backing of new owners Comcast, plus its ability to partner with NBC and Universal on projects. Sky Studios will create new productions for Sky channels, NBC Broadcast and cable, and Universal Pictures as well as for other distribution outlets.
Sky Studios will be led by Gary Davey, CEO, who is currently Sky UK’s Managing Director of Content. 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.
First up is Sky Studios’ first international project, a six-part drama called The Third Day, a co-production with HBO that stars Jude Law. Production will begin next month.
Jeremy Darroch, Group Chief Executive, Sky, says: “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.”