BBC Studios and Universal Music Group content studio, Mercury Studios, have struck a development deal, which will see them work together to create a pipeline of “music-driven returnable IP.”
The arrangement combines Mercury Studios’ “expertise in music-rooted storytelling and production” with BBC Studios Documentary Unit’s “unrivalled reputation for creating ambitious cross-genre programmes.”
Teams from both parties will work in partnership to develop IP, including formats, series and feature documentaries under four main categories: social history; social purpose; specialist factual; and factual entertainment and will have music or music talent at their heart.
Alice Webb, CEO, Mercury Studios said: “When you combine two powerhouses – the global reach and musical heritage of BBC Studios with the capabilities and insight of Mercury Studios, it makes for a very formidable partnership. Collaborating with BBC Studios opens the door for both sides to look beyond the usual artist-focussed documentaries and use music as a lens to create innovative content.”
Alan Holland, Head of Documentary Unit, BBC Studios Production added: “This partnership has the potential to deliver something incredibly special for documentary lovers and music fans alike. The sheer breadth of the BBC Studios Docs Unit’s genre expertise and our skills in filmmaking means we can tell stories from a fresh perspective and in a range of new and unexpected forms.”
Mercury Studios and BBC Studios will handle distribution of projects on a case by case basis.
Jon Creamer
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