October Films has signed an exclusive creative partnership with director Matt Smith.
The deal, which marks the “first of a number of new joint ventures”, will see Smith exclusively producing future projects for UK and international broadcasters and platforms through October, in return for investment in development and production support.
Matt Smith’s recent credits include Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad (BBC 1), The Bulger Killers: Was Justice Done? (Channel 4), Gareth’s Invictus Choir (BBC 1), and David Beckham: For the Love of the Game (BBC1). He has also directed or produced programmes including First Dates (Channel 4), An Hour To Save Your Life (BBC 2) and The Catch (Channel 4).
Jos Cushing, Head of Factual, UK, October Films said: “Partnering with, and investing in, Matt Smith is the perfect opportunity for October to reaffirm its commitment to nurturing the brightest talent and most powerful programming. We’re delighted he has chosen October to set up his creative home; our future together is incredibly exciting.”
Matt Smith said: “I’m utterly thrilled to be partnering with the team at October at such an exciting time in television. I’ve been lucky enough to produce and direct some amazing programmes so far, but the offer to develop and produce a slate of ideas alongside a fantastic team was too good to refuse. I can’t wait to get started.”
The deal with Smith follows the creation of Talos Films, October’s US joint venture with Julian P. Hobbs, Elli Hakami and Sky Vision. Talos has already produced the award winning War On Drugs for History US, and is in production and development on various projects including a Sci-Fi scripted series launched in partnership with Golden Globe-nominated actor and writer Issa Rae’s Color Creative.
Adam Bullmore, MD of October, added: “The deal with Matt is the first of a number of new joint ventures we will be investing in as a company in the near future. Building creative partnerships and diversifying our business is a key part of our future as we look to build on 29 years of success.”
October’s recent shows include: Eight Days That Made Rome (8×60’, Channel 5), Home Alone (6×60’, ID) From Russia To Iran: Crossing The Wild Frontier (4×60’, Channel 4), Dangerous Borders (3×60’, BBC2), Motorheads (BBC Brit), David Jason’s Secret Service (3×60’, Channel 4), The Bulger Killers: Was Justice Done? (1×60’, Channel 4); and Annie: Out of the Ashes (BBC3). The company is currently in production on series for Channel 4, the BBC, Investigation Discovery, Science Channel and Lifetime.
Jon Creamer
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