BBC Studios signs global first-look deal with Big Owl Pictures

 BBC Studios has secured a global first-look deal outside of Australia with Australian production company, Big Owl Pictures, founded by former Head of Television at Warner Bros Australia, Shaun Murphy. “Shaun has an incredible track record in Australia producing some of the country’s most watched and talked about formats in recent years," Matt Forde, Managing Director of International Production and Formats BBC Studios, said. "We are really excited to work with the Big Owl Pictures creative team to bring their dynamic slate to a global audience. We are thrilled to be working with producers outside the UK in this way for the first time and are keen to partner with exceptional creatives like Big Owl, wherever they are in the world.”

The multi-year deal offers BBC Studios a first look on Big Owl Pictures’ slate of original factual entertainment and entertainment formats, and a commitment to co-develop paper formats through BBC Studios global production network including LA, UK, France, Germany and Nordics. “The ability for BBC Studios to take Big Owl’s IP onto the world stage is magnificent, they are truly unmatched with their quality of shows and range of genres," Shaun Murphy CEO at Big Owl Pictures said. "Working with the entire BBC Studios international team to broaden out our formats is a terrific prospect and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership for both companies.”

Big Owl Pictures CEO and Executive Producer Shaun Murphy brings in years of experience as an Executive Producer at Shine Australia, and six years as Head of Television at Warner Bros Australia where he was responsible for executing "The Masked Singer," "The Bachelor," "First Dates," "Who Do You Think You Are," "Back In Time For Dinner," "Celebrity Apprentice," "The "Bachelorette," "Little Big Shots," and "Dancing With The Stars" among other titles. He also executive produced "Australia’s Next Top Model," "Dying For Everest," the syndicated "Coolfuel Roadtrip" and produced the Emmy-nominated "Crips & Bloods: Made In America."

BBC Studios has also secured first-look format deals with UK independent producers, Magnum Media, producers of "The 1% Club," which been successfully adapted in six international markets, Jay Blades’ Hungry Jay Media, in addition to a development deal with Joe Sugg’s Final Straw, as well as equity investments in Mothership, Expectation and recently took full ownership of Voltage TV.