BBC Studios is set to fully acquire Sid Gentle Films, the production company behind hits like “Killing Eve” and “Ragdoll”.
BBC Studios, the commercial production and distribution arm of BBC, is intent on growing its portfolio of book brands in the UK. It already fully owns Lookout Point (“Happy Valley 3”), Clerkenwell Films (“Somewhere Boy”), House Productions (“Sherwood”) and most recently Firebird Pictures (“Wahala”) and is the controlling shareholder in Baby Cow (“Equestrian”).
In 2018, it acquired a 51% stake in Sid Gentle, which was founded in 2013 by Sally Woodward Gentle, with Lee Morris and Henrietta Colvin.
The production company has also been responsible for sprint shows including “The Durrells”, “Neil Gaiman’s Likely Stories” and the upcoming Disney+ series “Extraordinary” and is currently working on “Rain Dogs” starring Daisy May Cooper.
Speaking at Mipcom on Monday, Tom Fossil, CEO of BBC Studios, said: “I am delighted to announce the complete acquisition of Sid Gentle Films. Led by Sally Woodward Gentle and Lee Morris, Sid Gentle is home to unmissable comebacks. The award-winning Killing Eve is famous for BAFTA, Emmy, Golden Globe, and the future roster is just as exciting.”
Woodward Gentle said: “We are thrilled to continue our journey with BBC Studios. They have been the most supportive, collaborative and creative partner. It is an honor to work with the most amazing team at Sid and to feel the ambition and expectations shared with BBC Studios.”
BBC Studios also announced on Monday that Senior Screenplay Executive Mark Linsey will relocate to Los Angeles in order to help build BBC Studios’ international production, investment and commissioning opportunities.
Linsey will continue to report to Ralph Lee, CEO of BBC Studios Productions, and will work closely with Janet Brown, BBC Studios’ Head of Content Distribution for North and Latin America, and Valerie Bruce, Managing Director and Head of Los Angeles Productions at BBC Studios.
“Under the leadership of Mark Linsey, former Director of Television and Chief Creative Officer of BBC Studios, we are investing in the UK’s most exciting talent and creative labels,” Fossil said during his speech at Impcom. “I am delighted to share today that Mark will be relocating from London to Los Angeles to further BBC Studios’ commitment to the West Coast and our shared creative ambition.”
“Moving our global portfolio of labels and units directly into the heart of the world’s largest English-language market is a natural next step,” said Linsey. “I look forward to working more closely than ever with colleagues and clients based in the United States to fund and create a new, one-of-a-kind series. For the world to enjoy.”
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