Sky Invests in True North, Chrysalis Vision

LONDON: Sky has acquired a majority stake in the indie producer True North, alongside making an investment in the U.K.-based production venture Chrysalis Vision.

True North works across such genres as factual, features, children’s and reality. As Sky becomes the majority shareholder, Channel 4 exits its investment entirely.

Sky has also invested in Chrysalis Vision, which specializes in drama. The company has a wide-ranging slate in development.

As part of the agreements, Sky Vision will become the commercial and worldwide distribution partner for content for both True North and Chrysalis Vision.

Jane Millichip, the managing director at Sky Vision, said: “We’re excited to be investing in True North. Jess and Andrew have a fantastic reputation for creating and delivering high-quality returnable series. We’re also delighted to be working with Mick and Chris, who have a great track record in building successful, creative businesses, and the whole team at Chrysalis Vision, which will bolster our drama ambitions.”

Andrew Sheldon and Jess Fowle, creative directors and founders of True North, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Sky, one of the most exciting and ambitious brands in the global TV industry, to help us achieve our international ambitions. Our previous investment partners Channel 4 were always going to be a hard act to follow. But Jane and her team showed an instinctive understanding and respect, not just for our content but for our culture too, and that proved irresistible.”

Chris Wright, the chairman of Chrysalis Vision, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sky as a shareholder in the business and we all look forward to working with Sky’s Content team, and with Sky Vision, to develop, produce and distribute long-running prime-time television drama series with worldwide appeal and long-term value. This new arrangement gives our team the resources and contacts to take the business forward.”