BBC Worldwide, Access & Lookout Point Ink Drama Pact

LONDON: BBC Worldwide, Access Entertainment and Lookout Point have aligned for a new initiative to fast-track production of premium-quality scripted drama.

Together, the three have formed a new commissioning entity called Benchmark Television. The outfit will not produce directly, but instead will commission from established third-party producers and writing talent, with full straight-to-series funding underwritten by BBC Worldwide and Access Entertainment. The aim is to greenlight a major series in the coming months.

Danny Cohen, who recently joined Len Blavatnik as president of Access Entertainment, will chair a group formed of Helen Jackson, the chief content officer of BBC Worldwide, and Simon Vaughan and Faith Penhale, joint CEOs of Lookout Point. This group will develop, select and oversee the commissioning process, with global rights managed in partnership with BBC Worldwide.

Lookout Point will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of Benchmark Television, working closely with Access Entertainment and BBC Worldwide.

Vaughan said: “Now is the right time to give the world’s foremost writers and producers another way to get their series made with maximum freedom and support. We are offering a new and dynamic model that will benefit talent, networks and audiences.”

Blavatnik, founder and chairman of Access Industries, added: “This innovative partnership will finance and produce world-class scripted television for audiences around the world. Access Entertainment plans to work with the world’s very best writers and producers over the coming years and invest significant capital in television production.”

Cohen commented: “This is a groundbreaking partnership that delivers a new model for drama production and financing. We believe it will excite producers and writers, and provide a new route to market for scripted series. We will be seeking premium-quality projects and will provide the resources to get blue-chip drama into production for audiences to enjoy around the world.”

Jackson said: “Ensuring that creative talent are given every opportunity to produce their very best work is at the heart of this new partnership.”