ITV Studios Acquires Eagle Eye Drama

ITV Studios has acquired a majority stake in Eagle Eye Drama, launched by Walter Iuzzolino, Jo McGrath and Jason Thorp, which is also the team behind the international drama streaming service Walter Presents.

Eagle Eye, which has been part of Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund since 2019, has a slate that includes ITV’s Professor T and Hotel Portofino and Channel 4’s Before We Die, Suspect and The Couple Next Door.

As part of the deal, ITV Studios has also acquired a majority stake in the Belgium-based production services company Happy Duck, led by producer and director Dries Vos (Professor T, The Couple Next Door), which services Eagle Eye’s global slate.

International distribution of new Eagle Eye series will be handled by ITV Studios.

Julian Bellamy, managing director of ITV Studios, said: “Since launching Eagle Eye just five years ago, Walter, Jo and Jason have built a really impressive scripted business. Disruptive, innovative and international, Eagle Eye has carved out a real point of difference in the market. I’m delighted to welcome them to ITV Studios.”

Iuzzolino, Eagle Eye Drama’s CEO, added: “The team has built ITV Studios into the most exciting production powerhouse in the U.K., and we are incredibly proud and honored to be joining them and the distinguished list of extraordinary creative minds for the next phase of Eagle Eye’s growth trajectory.”

Caroline Murphy, head of the Indie Growth Fund at Channel 4, said: “Channel 4 has a successful and longstanding relationship with Walter, Jo and Jason, and we were delighted to invest in Eagle Eye and support them during their early growth stage to become the scripted powerhouse they are today. ITV Studios is a natural new home for Eagle Eye and we wish them continued success for the future.”