StoryFirst Takes Full Control of Pinewood Television

StoryFirst has agreed to buy Pinewood-Shepperton Studios’ 50-percent interest in Pinewood Television, which specializes in TV drama series.

Headed by Helen Gregory as managing director, Pinewood Television will be renamed from October 31. The company’s existing management team—comprising Gregory and Christian Wikander, along with current board members Lord Grade, Peter Gerwe and Premila Hoon—will all remain in place. Pinewood Television recently teamed up with Benedict Cumberbatch’s SunnyMarch TV to produce The Child in Time.

Peter Gerwe, founder of StoryFirst, commented: “Under Helen Gregory’s leadership, after only 18 months of operation, the business is flourishing and is well on its way to being a major player in scripted television drama. Helen and her team will continue to build the company. StoryFirst intends to make additional investments in the growing slate of exciting high-end TV drama projects under the new banner.”

Paul Golding, Pinewood Group’s chairman, added: “We’re delighted to have been instrumental in establishing the business and we wish StoryFirst every success in the next stage of the company’s development. In the meantime, Pinewood will continue to finance independent screen-based content rather than developing new material.”