NBCU Takes Full Control of Matchbox

LONDON: NBCUniversal International Television Production has taken 100 percent ownership of the Australian production outfit Matchbox Pictures, which has been behind such shows as The Slap, The Straits and Nowhere Boys.

NBCU first invested in the company in 2011. Formed in 2008, it produces a range of genres, from dramas and comedies to docs, young-adult TV and feature films.

Matchbox will continue to be run by managing director Chris Oliver Taylor, with founders Penny Chapman and Tony Ayres overseeing the creative team for scripted and Kylie Washington heading up the unscripted team.

“Matchbox is one of the most exciting and dynamic production companies we have encountered," said Michael Edelstein, the president of NBCU International Television Production. "Penny Chapman, Tony Ayres and Kylie Washington have a fantastic creative track record and are incredibly well respected. We are excited by what the future holds and are keen to help their programs reach audiences around the world.”

Other production labels within the NBCU International family include Downton Abbey producer Carnival Films; Monkey Kingdom, the team behind Made in Chelsea; factual-entertainment outfit Chocolate Media; and Lucky Giant, which specializes in comedy. The company also has a JV with Working Title Television and a stake in Canada's LARK Productions.