Sky has launched Sky Studios, a new Europe-wide development and production arm, and pledged to more than double its spending on original content over the next five years.
Backed by new owner Comcast, which bought Sky in 2018, the expansion follows a strong run of original drama, led by Chernobyl, the Sky and HBO co-production that became the broadcaster’s most successful original to date, along with European hits such as Das Boot and Gomorrah. Sky Studios will focus on drama and comedy, making shows for Sky’s own channels as well as for NBC and Universal Pictures.
The move is squarely aimed at keeping pace with Netflix, Amazon and the wave of new streaming services. Sky Studios will be led by Gary Davey, currently Sky UK’s managing director of content, and its first announced project is The Third Day, a six-part Sky and HBO drama starring Jude Law.