Sky Studios has signed a two-year overhead and development funding and first look distribution deal with Sharon Horgan and Clelia Mountford’s Merman TV.
The deal builds on the recent success of Frayed, the Sky original co-production with ABC Australia, and will see Merman TV expand its UK scripted team to develop brand new drama and comedy for Sky audiences and beyond. NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales for co-developed projects
Merman TV has won multiple accolades including three BAFTAs, and numerous Emmy and RTS nominations, since its creation in 2014. Merman’s most recent success stories include This Way Up for Hulu/Channel 4, There She Goes for BBC/Britbox and Motherland for BBC2. In the last few weeks the firm has also announced a raft of projects for development at various US networks and platforms, including Shining Vale for Starz, Therapy Dog for Fox, Guru for Amazon and Delilah for HBO Max. The wider Merman Group spans Film, TV, Advertising and Branded content operating out of offices in London, New York and LA.
Gary Davey, CEO Sky Studios, said: “When we launched Sky Studios we said we wanted to work with Europe’s top creatives, and that’s exactly what Sharon and Clelia are. Together, they have a unique ability to take a sideways look at the ordinary and make it outrageously funny while making you care deeply about their characters along the way. Let’s see what trouble we can cause together!”
Sharon Horgan and Clelia Mountford, Merman, said: “We’re delighted to be given the opportunity to take our great relationship with Sky Studios to the next level, as they help us to share our stories worldwide. This partnership means not only do we get to make even more Merman comedy, but also realise our ambitions in the drama space. And we’re really excited about that.”
Staff Reporter
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