Sony Sets Up Stellify Media in Northern Ireland

LONDON: Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is launching a new production outfit in Northern Ireland, Stellify Media, as a joint venture with Kieran Doherty and Matt Worthy.

The outfit is based in Belfast. It will be producing TV content for U.K. broadcasters that will be exploited internationally. The programming will be in the entertainment genre. Stellify Media will be collaborating with SPT's U.S. and international production companies on the development, while its U.K. shows and formats will be exported by SPT's distribution arm.

Doherty and Worthy are behind the international quiz format Secret Fortune and game show format Take the Money and Run. The also co-founded Norther Ireland's Media Therapy networking group.

Doherty said: “We are delighted to be launching our own independent production company at a time when the production industry in Northern Ireland is thriving and producing some of the most popular shows on TV. We are looking forward to capitalizing on the current zeitgeist with our own innovative, original developments. With SPT’s backing we will have access to a wealth of expertise, resources and opportunity across its global network of production companies allowing us to focus both on international opportunities as well as domestic commissions.”

Wayne Garvie, the chief creative officer for international production at SPT, said: “Kieran and Matt are the rising stars of a new generation of Irish creatives. They have proven success in developing popular entertainment and Stellify Media will be a marvelous addition to our family. Northern Ireland is fast becoming a hotspot for international production and at Sony we’re really excited about becoming part of the region’s creative community and launching exciting, global hits.”