Blueprint Launches TV Division with Backing from Sony

LONDON: Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has invested in Blueprint Television, a new U.K.-based production outfit focused on drama series.

Blueprint is launching a TV division on the back of the success of films such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, as well as In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths. The new venture is led by Pete Czernin and Graham Broadbent.

Broadbent and Czernin, co-chairmen, and Diarmuid McKeown, managing director, will team up with executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins, who joins as head of television following his time at the helm of EastEnders (BBC) and before that as head of development at Kudos’ Lovely Day, where he developed Grantchester (ITV).

Andrea Wong, the president of international production at SPT, said: “Pete and Graham are exactly the kind of people we want to partner with—hugely creative and highly motivated. They already have an incredibly strong development slate and we can’t wait to help them realize their vision for Blueprint Television.”

Czernin said: “We’re excited to extend Blueprint’s reach to attract the best talent to tell longer-form and returning stories. Working with Sony and Andrea and Wayne helps us fulfill the same ambitions we have when we make theatrical films: to entertain audiences around the world with the best stories.”

Broadbent added: “Dominic is enormously respected, energetic and has incredible instincts. We’re excited to have someone of his experience and caliber launch Blueprint’s TV side.”

Treadwell-Collins commented: “As a massive fan of Blueprint’s films, I am so excited to be joining Graham, Pete and Diarmuid to develop their television arm. Their experience and passion for quality storytelling are inspiring and I’m looking forward to working with them and SPT to create drama series with a British USP that can entertain audiences around the world.”