Sky & Mark Hollinger Take Stakes in Sugar Films

LONDON: Sky has picked up a minority stake in Sugar Films, which also received an investment from former Discovery Networks International president and CEO Mark Hollinger, who will become chairman.

Sugar Films was founded in 2015 by Kwadjo Dajan, Narinder Minhas, Lucy Pilkington, Nav Raman and Pat Younge. The company aims to produce TV and digital content for mainstream and diverse audiences. Recent commissions include a digital shorts series for Channel 4 and the documentary White Boys and Black Heroes for BBC Two. The investments by Sky and Hollinger will support the co-founders of Sugar Films in the creation and delivery of scripted and non-scripted projects, both in the U.K. and internationally.

Sky’s international production and distribution business, Sky Vision, will become Sugar Films’ exclusive distribution partner, and will represent all new programs and formats.

Jane Millichip, the managing director of Sky Vision, commented: “Sugar Films is a dynamic production company with a mix of experienced executives and cutting-edge creative talent. In a short space of time, they have built an impressive development slate of both scripted and non-scripted shows. We’re really excited to be working with them to build the business both in the U.K. and internationally.”

Younge commented: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Sky Vision. They have a formidable track record, they’re forward-thinking and are hugely ambitious. This makes them the perfect fit for Sugar Films. We’re looking forward to a fruitful partnership.”

Hollinger said: “I have worked with both Pat and Sky for many years, and am absolutely delighted to be part of this compelling partnership. Sugar Films is a team of terrific creative executives and the support that Sky brings to the mix should mean great things for Sugar.”