Seven Buys Stake in U.K. Producer Slim Film + Television

SYDNEY: Australia’s Seven Network has invested in the U.K.-based producer Slim Film + Television, which specializes in scripted content.

Through its investment, Seven has secured a majority shareholding in Slim. The company is behind the critically acclaimed drama Legacy and the award-winning comedy The Art of Foley. Slim was founded by producer Simon Crawford Collins (Spooks, Ashes to Ashes, Hustle).

As part of Seven’s investment deal, BBC Worldwide, which held a 25-percent stake in Slim, is exiting the company. The new investment adds to Seven’s growing international presence with 7 Wonder and 7 Beyond.

Crawford Collins, founder and managing director of Slim Film + Television, said: “Slim is embarking on an exciting new phase in its growth and, after considering a number of offers, we believe that Seven are the perfect creative partners to support us in our future ambitions. They are not only an exceptionally inspirational group, market leaders in their territory and have massive global aspirations; they also have boundless energy and a great sense of fun. Together we will be looking to further expand internationally and pursue a number of high-end international co-production opportunities that are already in development as well as fully exploit our incredibly exciting slate of programming to produce innovative and highly successful programming for global audiences.”

Tim Worner, CEO of Seven West Media, said: “Seven is committed to growing its international production footprint and we want to do that with the very best people. Simon’s track record speaks for itself, and audiences in Australia, and in fact all over the world, have loved the shows he has already been involved with. He is now attracting some brilliant writers to Slim, and together we believe we will create more outstanding work to take to audiences everywhere.

“Seven is the leading content production company in Australia with some of the most successful brands and franchises. We are recognized as the leader in Australian-produced television programming. Our success is built on our ability to create and own compelling content, and to deliver that content to the biggest audiences across our media platforms. We are delighted to be working with Simon and his talented team at Slim. Simon’s credentials speak for themselves and we are looking to create great drama and comedy series with Slim.”

Therese Hegarty, Seven’s director of content distribution and rights, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with such a well-respected creative as Simon and are excited to welcome him as part of our growing international group. Seven’s partnership with Slim Film + Television builds on the increasing market presence for Seven West Media that includes Australia’s largest production company, 7 Productions, 7 Wonder in the United Kingdom and 7 Beyond in the United States.

“It also further confirms Seven’s leadership in the creation and production of highly successful programming, including original titles such as Home and Away, My Kitchen Rules, Border Security, A Place to Call Home, House Rules and Packed to the Rafters. My Kitchen Rules has been commissioned across multiple territories including the key markets of the United Kingdom and the United States. We are continuing to see significant opportunities for further growth with Seven’s original formats and produced programs now sold into more than 130 markets around the world.”