Sony Pictures Television has acquired a minority stake in Blueprint Television, the TV division of Blueprint Films that was recently set up by Co-Chairmen Pete Czernin, Graham Broadbent and Managing Director Diarmuid McKeown, TVWise has learned.
Blueprint Television focusses on high end, returnable drama series that originate in the UK market and can subsequently be sold around the globe. Sony Pictures Television will now handle global sales for the firms slate. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Pete and Graham are exactly the kind of people we want to partner with — hugely creative and highly motivated”, said Andrea Wong, President of International Production for Sony Pictures Television. “They already have an incredibly strong development slate and we can’t wait to help them realize their vision for Blueprint Television.”
SPT’s acquisition of an ownership stake is part of a continuing strategy at the studio to increase its footprint in order to meet the increasing demand for high end drama around the world. Said strategy has become increasingly important as a result of the effect of vertical integration in the United States; where series orders tend to go to the networks’ sister studios rather than an independent such as SPT.
The indie, which has already secured their first commission from Sky1 for fantasy drama The Last Dragonslayer, has also announced the hire of former EastEnders showrunner Dominic Treadwell-Collins as their Head of Television. “Dominic is enormously respected, energetic and has incredible instincts”, said Broadbent. “We’re excited to have someone of his experience and calibre launch Blueprint’s TV side.”
“As a massive fan of Blueprint’s films, I am so excited to be joining Graham, Pete and Diarmuid to develop their television arm”, added Dominic Treadwell-Collins. “Their experience and passion for quality storytelling is inspiring and I’m looking forward to working with them and SPT to create drama series with a British USP that can entertain audiences around the world.”
