EXCLUSIVE: StudioCanal returns to the UK television production investment world after striking a deal with one of a Look at and Downton Abbey Director.
The French production group backs Strong Film & Television, co-founded by BAFTA winner James Strong and Matt Tombs, a former BBC and Paramount executive.
Founded in late 2020, Strong Film & Television has apparently added Loretta Preece to its ranks. Preece was last the series producer accidentthe long-running, BAFTA-winning BBC drama.
StudioCanal is close to announcing the investment, which would be one of the first significant UK TV deals in years.
In 2016, the Canal+ Group company acquired shares in Urban Myth Films, the producer of Fox war of the worldsand SunnyMarch, co-founded by Benedict Cumberbatch.
StudioCanal has not been idle with acquisitions, but has focused on strengthening its positions with existing partners and has taken full control of Urban Myth and Tandem Productions in the past three years.
StudioCanal’s other UK partners include the Red Production Company, which produced Channel 4 It is a sinand Guilty Party Pictures, who were recently hired to make the Netflix comedy something special A whole life of Stath rents apartments Starring Jamie Demetriou.
Strong Film & Television has promised to create “contemporary, emotional and daring” dramas when it launches in 2020. Other credits of Strong include Broad church and Doctor who. Tombs oversaw a BBC project to upgrade the set eastthe soap and worked as a scheduler for the British broadcaster.
French production groups have forged close ties with British companies, with companies such as Banijay, Mediawan and Newen making strides in recent years. Drama was a particular focus.
StudioCanal declined to comment.
Author: Jack Kanter
Source: Deadline
Joseph Fearn is an entertainment and television aficionado who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for what’s hot in the world of TV, Joseph keeps his readers informed about the latest trends and must-see shows.
