ITV Buys Big Talk

LONDON: ITV has acquired Big Talk, the producer of films such as Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz and such series as Rev, Friday Night Dinner and The Job Lot.

ITV will make an initial payment and further capped payments contingent on the producer’s future performance.

Big Talk has produced a slew of successful scripted TV and film projects. Its upcoming slate includes Ambassadors for BBC Two; Chickens for Sky 1; the BBC One drama Our Zoo; the Sky Atlantic comedy Mr Sloane; Comedy Central’s Mummy’s Boys; and Give Out Girls for Sky Living.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment will be distributing all Big Talk’s new TV content. BBC Worldwide retains the global distribution rights for Big Talk’s back catalogue and future U.K. series based on those shows.

Adam Crozier, the chief executive of ITV plc, said: “Building a strong international content business lies at the very heart of our Transformation Plan and the acquisition of Big Talk represents another important milestone as we continue to grow our production base and invest in creative talent.
 
“Big Talk has an incredibly talented team, led by Kenton, Matthew and Nira, and has developed strong relationships with directors, producers, writers and performers, including Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright. I’m delighted to welcome them to ITV.”
 
Kevin Lygo, the managing director of ITV Studios, said: “Great comedy is an important part of the genre mix for broadcasters around the world and it’s fantastic that Big Talk is joining us. 
 
“They have a brilliant track record in creating channel defining, returning scripted comedy and drama across many different channels, and they are also developing some fantastic new shows that have the potential to travel internationally.“
 
Kenton Allen, the CEO of Big Talk, commented: “After an amazing five years of very rapid growth we’re delighted to have found a dynamic new partner to help us realize the untapped potential that exists at Big Talk. Adam Crozier, Denise O’Donoghue and Kevin Lygo really impressed us with their vision for ITV Studios and we are incredibly excited about their passion for what Big Talk does best. This marks our next phase of delivering quality comedy and ambitious original drama as we push into the international marketplace and really show the world what we can do.”
 
Matthew Justice, Big Talk’s managing director, added: “Everyone at Big Talk is thrilled about being part of ITV’s five year transformation plan. Working with people as experienced as Denise O’Donoghue and Kevin Lygo is a terrific opportunity for Big Talk and we look forward to watching our family grow and flourish over the coming years.”