London, UK -- Sony Pictures Television (SPT) today announced it has taken a majority stake in British production company Left Bank Pictures, signalling a significant move into scripted production in the UK. Under this new agreement, SPT will also distribute future Left Bank Pictures television content, both finished programming and formats, and will have a first look distribution option on feature films produced by the company.
Since its inception, Left Bank Pictures’ success in the international marketplace has been matched by recognition at awards ceremonies from BAFTA and RTS to the Golden Globes and Emmys.
Left Bank Pictures is one of the UK’s leading producers of scripted television programmes and has developed international co productions with partners such as HBO and Mediaset. Its impressive track record of successes includes Wallander (BBC), Mad Dogs (Sky), Strike Back (Sky/HBO Cinemax), Cardinal Burns (E4) and DCI Banks (ITV) which have received critical acclaim and ratings success all over the world.
Announcing the deal, SPT’s president of international production, Andrea Wong, said: “I’m very excited to welcome Left Bank Pictures to our global production family. Powered by the outstanding creative talent of Andy, Marigo and their team, Left Bank is justifiably admired in the UK and internationally, making it the perfect complement to our diverse UK portfolio.”
Andy Harries said: "This is a brilliant opportunity for Left Bank and we are thrilled by the new partnership with SPT. I am a huge admirer of Andrea Wong and her energy and enthusiasm for our work is incredibly encouraging. This marks the start of a new phase of ambitious quality drama from us for the international market place. "
Marigo Kehoe added: “Andrea Wong has a clear vision of SPT’s future as a content provider in the global marketplace and has an impressive take on both the business and creative sides of the business. We are excited by the potential of this new partnership.”
Andy Harries and Marigo Kehoe will continue to lead Left Bank Pictures from its existing London office, and Harries will now report into Wong.
The company’s film arm is behind independent titles such as the Aung San Suu Kyi biopic, The Lady (with Europacorp), the acclaimed adaptation of David Peace’s The Damned United (Columbia Pictures) and All In Good Time (Studio Canal) – based on Ayub Khan Din’s hit National Theatre production.
Left Bank Pictures was founded in 2007 by Andy Harries (chief executive officer) and Marigo Kehoe (managing director) following the success of their time at Granada and ITV Studios which produced Prime Suspect, Cold Feet, The Royle Family and the Academy Award winning film The Queen.
Left Bank Pictures is SPT’s fourth UK production venture, joining Gogglebox Entertainment, Victory Television and Silver River. Other markets outside the US where SPT produces scripted television locally include Germany, Russia, the Netherlands, The Middle East and across Latin America. Globally, SPT’s international production arm operates wholly owned and joint venture companies in 15 countries covering Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.
Source: Sony Pictures Television