Sky Studios Buys Stake in The Lighthouse

Sky Studios has purchased a minority stake in the U.K.-based drama producer The Lighthouse, founded by BBC Studios alums Hilary Salmon, Radford Neville and Nick Betts.

Salmon, former head of drama for BBC Studios, has developed and produced multi-award-winning global hit dramas, including Luther, Three Girls, MotherFatherSon, Rillington Place and the long-running hit Silent Witness. Neville was previously managing director of drama at BBC Studios, and prior to this worked as head of production in drama. Betts was the first managing director of scripted for the newly formed BBC Studios.

The Lighthouse is working to produce “quality, compelling scripted series” for U.K. and international broadcasters and streaming platforms. It already has a number of projects in development, including an adaptation of Howard Mark’s cult autobiography Mr Nice, a co-production with Independent Film Company, written by Neil Forsyth. Salmon will also be an executive producer on a new drama series for AMC, 61st Street, written by Peter Moffat and set in Chicago.

Gary Davey, CEO of Sky Studios said: “Hilary, Radford and Nick are three of the most renowned drama players in the broadcast field today. They share our vision to make thought-provoking, relevant dramas for audiences both in the U.K. and worldwide. We’re delighted to be working with such a first-class team with an impeccable track record in making brilliant dramas for audiences across the world.”

Cameron Roach, Sky’s director of drama, added: “We look forward to working closely with The Lighthouse team as we evolve the Sky Studios slate. They have an exceptional track record and brilliant talent relationships, which will be important in supporting our ambitions going forward. We’re really thrilled about this partnership.”

The Lighthouse founders said in a joint statement: “We are delighted to be partnering with Sky Studios. Being backed by an ambitious European broadcaster and global distributor whilst retaining the creative freedom to pursue a wide range of exciting projects really is the perfect combination. From day one, they recognized the strengths of The Lighthouse team and shared our ambition to make intelligent, authentic, modern dramas that audiences will love.”