Sky Ties Up with FX, Roughcut TV

LONDON: Sky has entered into a co-development and distribution partnership with the U.K. producer Roughcut TV for comedy and entertainment programming, and did a separate deal with FX Networks to work on new comedies as well.

A two-year agreement sees Sky and FX Networks co-funding and co-developing new half-hour comedies. If the projects are commissioned, the shows would broadcast on Sky 1 HD and Sky Atlantic HD in the U.K. and Ireland and FX Networks channels in the U.S.

Sky and Roughcut will co-develop new comedy ideas with international appeal, aimed at Sky 1 HD and Sky Living HD. If commissioned, the programs will be distributed internationally by Sky's distribution arm, Sky Vision. This marks the first time that Sky has agreed to a partnership with an indie production company that encompasses both the co-development of new projects and international distribution.

Sky also confirmed it has commissioned a fourth season of the sitcom Trollied, produced by Roughcut, to air on Sky 1 HD later this year.

Ash Atalla, the managing director of Roughcut, commented: “ I am delighted to further strengthen Roughcut’s relationship with Sky. It's good for us and we hope it will be good for them, so it's handshakes all round.”
 
Lucy Lumsden, Sky’s head of comedy, commented: “We’re delighted to be forging closer ties with Roughcut TV with this unique co-development and distribution deal. Trollied has been a huge hit with Sky customers and we look forward to developing even more great new home-grown comedy through this new partnership.”
 
Connie Hodson, the commercial director at Sky Vision, added: “We are thrilled to be working with Roughcut TV and Sky 1 HD to bring their content to a wider global audience. To build on Sky Vision’s momentum, we look forward to working with even more U.K. indies on international development opportunities, especially in entertainment, scripted and factual.”

Lumsden added: “We’re hugely excited about working with FX Networks to develop distinctive brand new comedy and further strengthen our commitment to original home-grown programming. Partnering with the world’s most renowned broadcasters lets us bring Sky customers something truly special, and we look forward to working with the most talented comedy writers and performers in both Britain and the U.S.”

Eric Schrier, the president of original programming for FX Networks and FX Productions, said: “We are truly excited to partner with Sky and create comedies that will bridge the Atlantic and entertain audiences in both the U.K. and U.S. This partnership will open doors for us to discover new comedy talent and develop their stories in this unique foreign exchange program.”