FremantleMedia has bought a 25% stake in Bend It TV, the independent production house formed by Gurinder Chadha.
Chadha, who was awarded an OBE for services to the British film Industry in 2006, is one of the country’s foremost storytellers and is behind iconic and award-winning films such as Bend It Like Beckham (2003), Bride and Prejudice (2004) and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008).
Her latest project, the feature length Viceroy’s House was released in early March to critical acclaim.
Bend It TV is focused on creating original primetime scripted content for TV.
FremantleMedia CEO, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, said, “Gurinder is a phenomenal storyteller and a real auteur; I’m thrilled to be working with her.
“When we set out to build our scripted business, at the top of my list was working with and supporting the best creative talent in the world and this new partnership truly exemplifies that goal.”
Chadha added, “I am so impressed with Cecile, Sarah [Doole, Director of Global Drama at FremantleMedia] and her team at FremantleMedia and their understanding and support for creative storytellers like me.
“I look forward to working on our vibrant, international drama slate and bringing our brand of stories to our global audience, now excitingly, on TV.”