Sky Invests in Znak&Jones Productions

LONDON: Sky has tied up with Znak&Jones Productions, a newly formed production company set up by Natalka Znak (I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, Hell’s Kitchen) and Simon Jones (American Idol).

Sky made an equity investment in Znak&Jones and also entered into a distribution partnership with the outfit. All of the finished programming from Znak&Jones will now be distributed by Sky Vision.

Znak previously served as CEO of Zodiak USA, where she was responsible for overseeing the North American operations of Zodiak Media and produced over 20 projects. Prior to Zodiak, she served as controller of factual entertainment for ITV Studios. Jones previously served as CEO of Talpa Media USA, where he established the U.S. office and managed the U.S. production operations. Before Talpa, Jones was chief operating officer and ran Syco USA’s media operation for Simon Cowell and Sony Music. Previously at FremantleMedia, Jones set up American Idol, established the format’s worldwide brand and served as executive producer on the series.

Jane Millichip, the managing director of Sky Vision, said: “This deal is one of the ways we are building a strong, international content business. Znak&Jones is an exciting new business with great potential. Natalka and Simon are among the best in the business with a fantastic pedigree of creating primetime hits with global appeal. I know they are working on lots of amazing ideas and we are excited about helping them to bring their programs to audiences around the world.”

“The partnership is ideal in that we remain an independent, boutique operation able to best serve our respective broadcaster client needs and, at the same time, have a highly motivated international partner with a global distribution infrastructure necessary to drive a hit show,” said Jones.

"Simon and I have over four decades of experience creating, adapting and launching formats in both the U.S. and U.K.,” said Znak. “It’s our goal to develop and produce entertainment for both markets that’s big and bold as well as innovative and fresh."