HBO the American premium cable and satellite television network owned by Time Warner is partnering up with European pay TV operator Sky to launch a $250m co-production scheme to develop high-end drama.
The aim is to have at least two dramas per year within two years with the first series from the scheme expected to air in 2018.
Pitches of projects are open to production companies across Europe and the US. Potential content should focus on engaging stories with international points of view and casting.
Reported in an article on C21 Media’s website Sky and HBO said the partnership would provide “an unrivalled opportunity for production companies to have their content broadcast by two of the leading brands in worldwide television.”
Responsibility for selection of projects will fall between executives from HBO and Sky.
Richard Plepler, chairman and CEO of HBO, said the deal “allows even deeper collaboration between our two great companies, which have a long tradition in creating superior content for our customers.”
Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch added: “HBO and Sky have for many years shared a common creative culture and a common vision for the development of high-quality drama.
“This new venture deepens that relationship maintains our leadership position in world-class content, provides great opportunities for indies and gives our customers, even more, opportunity to enjoy brilliant storytelling.”