The plan will see Sky Studios produce and develop original content across all genres, though Sky singled out “a focus on drama and comedy” in a statement, with productions heading to Sky’s own channels, NBC Broadcast and cable, and Universal Pictures “as well as for other distribution outlets.”
Today’s announcement follows the success of Chernobyl, which has been the most successful Sky original production ever, a record number of BAFTA winners for Sky, as well as several other European successes such as Das Boot and Gomorrah.
Production will begin next month on Sky Studios’ first international project, a 6-part drama called The Third Day, a co-production with HBO and starring Jude Law.
Sky Studios will be led by Gary Davey, CEO, who is currently Sky UK’s Managing Director of Content.
Jeremy Darroch, Group Chief Executive, Sky, said: “This is a transformational development for us. Sky Studios will drive our vision to be the leading force in European content development and production.
“Our ambition is to make Sky Studios famous for quality content and a place where Europe’s top creatives will want to do their best work.
“Being part of Comcast enables us to increase our investment and to maximise the advantage and leverage of the Sky Group and our partners, NBCUniversal.
“This is a clear signal of Comcast’s belief in our commitment to producing the best original content in Europe.”