Sky Vision Signs First-Look Deals with Two U.K. Indie Producers

LONDON: Sky Vision has entered into first-look agreements with ACME Films, which specializes in drama and factual programming, and Spark Media Partners, a format-focused production outfit.

Sky Vision will be working with both companies to co-develop programming with international appeal for worldwide distribution. ACME Films is owned by Jamie D'Cruz, who produced the film Exit Through the Gift Shop, and Francesca Newby, previously the director of production at Dragonfly. The company's recent commissions include the original drama Run for Channel 4.

Spark Media Partners is owned by Steve Havers and Mark Baker, who previously ran the format house Mast Media. Their new secret dating format Undercover Cupid recently started airing on the NickMom block in the U.S.

D’Cruz, the creative director of ACME Films, commented: “This is an exciting time for U.K. producers, especially for an indie like ACME. We're very much looking forward to working with Sky Vision to help us get to the next level by creating an international profile for our scripted and factual output.”
 
Havers said: “Setting up a production company was the natural next step for Mark and me. We have partnered with some of the most well-respected executive producers in the industry and a dynamic distribution partner in Sky Vision. We are now able to take control of the whole life cycle of our ideas, from initial spark of inspiration, through the production process and ultimately to worldwide distribution."
 
Barnaby Shingleton, the director of entertainment and factual at Sky Vision, added: “Both ACME Films and Spark Media Partners will add significantly to Sky Vision’s offering to the international market, with programs of scale and quality. ACME has a proven track record in producing award winning drama and documentaries and we are looking forward to working with them to bring their programming to a wider international audience. The creatives behind Spark have already had considerable international success with entertainment formats and Sky Vision is well placed to help them enjoy further success over the coming years.”