BBC Studios Acquires Scandi Outfit STV

BBC Studios has expanded its production capabilities across Scandinavia with the acquisition of STV, which is based in Copenhagen with additional offices in Norway and Sweden.

The outfit developed the factual entertainment formats Big Love and Get Lost Honey and produces the local versions of Long Lost Family, Wheel of Fortune and Bargain King and the long-running scripted series The First Years across Denmark, Norway and Sweden. STV previously worked with BBC Studios on Denmark Saves the Planet for TV2 and is developing a local version of The Office.

STV’s three bases will be rebranded as BBC Studios Nordic Productions, with Daniel Svarts, regional managing director, reporting to Jan Salling, head of BBC Studios Nordic. BBC Studios Nordic Productions will produce local adaptations of the unscripted and scripted formats in the BBC Studios catalog. It will also develop original IP that will be distributed by BBC Studios.

Matt Forde, managing director of international production and formats at BBC Studios, noted: “There is a huge affinity and affection in the region for the BBC brand and a growing demand for our content locally. Establishing a wide ranging production presence in the region has been a long-held ambition and a natural evolution for the business after several years of successful format licensing and co-production. Becoming a fully-independent local producer will allow us to have wider creative conversations and to act on the opportunity to develop and export original creative IP from Scandinavia to the wider international market. This acquisition cements us as an international producer of scale.”

Jacob DeBoer, VP of international production and formats at BBC Studios, said: “We are thrilled that the incredibly talented team at STV are joining forces with us to become BBC Studios Nordic Productions. They are an exceptionally creative team with an excellent track record and with Jan at the helm of our newest production house, we can’t wait to bring our ideas to broadcasters and platforms in Scandinavia and beyond.”

René Szczyrbak, founder of STV, added: “STV has been my baby and my business for 36 years. To pass on the company was a major decision, but handing over the keys to BBC Studios feels right and makes me extremely proud as the BBC brand has always been synonymous with outstanding quality. I’m equally proud that the entire management team under the leadership of Daniel Svarts will remain in place to provide continuity for our important relationships in the market. I will continue to support the team and the company in any way possible.”

With the deal, BBC Studios and Banijay have mutually agreed not to the extend the term of their local first-look agreement for unscripted formats. The two companies will continue to partner on Dancing with the Stars across the Nordics, The Great Bake Off in Sweden and The Dementia Choir in Denmark and Norway, with Banijay acting as the local producer.