SONY BUYS MAJORITY STAKE IN “SEX EDUCATION” PRODUCER

Sony Pictures Television has confirmed that it is investing in Eleven Film, the British production outfit behind Netflix's smash hit “Sex Education”. In fact, the company has taken a majority stake in Eleven after a competitive process in which a host of potential suitors showed an interest in the producer, including All3Media.

In completing the takeover, Sony Pictures Television is buying out Channel 4’s 20% stake in Eleven, Deadline reports. The British broadcaster first invested in the company in 2014 as part of its Indie Growth Fund initiative.

Eleven was founded by creative directors Jamie Campbell and Joel Wilson in 2006, and teen drama “Sex Education” has become its biggest calling card after launching last year. Other Eleven commissions include “Red Rose,” a BBC Three horror created by twins Michael and Paul Clarkson, which has been picked up by Netflix in the United States; and it is also making Tom Hiddleston’s political thriller “White Stork” for the streamer.

“For some time, we have watched on as Jamie and Joel built one of the most exciting drama companies in the UK. Their ability to spot and develop new writing and acting talent and their eye for a unique and compelling idea make them an irresistible pairing. In the midst of the Covid crisis, this acquisition also demonstrates Sony’s underlying faith in the future success of British production,”  said Wayne Garvie, SPT’s President of International Production.

Meanwhile, Campbell and Wilson added: “We are deeply proud of the world-class slate of scripted shows we have in development; and no one in the world is better positioned than Sony to help us convert it”.