eOne, Creative England create drama fund

Producer and distributor Entertainment One and Creative England are joining forces to create new drama fund designed to back UK-originated drama for the domestic and international markets.

Creative England is the not-for-profit group that works with commercial organisations and regional authorities on creative industry initiatives. Alongside eOne it will create a new drama venture and build a slate of scripted programming under ‘Entertainment One and Creative England Television Drama Venture’ banner.

The pair will work with regional producers and the remit is to create drama that will travel from the UK to markets around the world, with eOne handling international distribution.

The pair said they are currently looking for an executive to run the new venture.

Ed Vaizey, the UK minister for culture and the digital economy welcomed the UK drama initiative. He said: “Our creative industries are world-class and this unique partnership will help us continue to produce content that thrills international audiences. Creative England’s expertise in discovering original voices coupled with Entertainment One’s network is a wonderful match.”

Carrie Stein, executive VP, global production, eOne Television said: “As we ramp up our production activity in the UK and build on successful first-look and production deals with television creators, this partnership supports our increasing focus on developing the best content from diverse creative resources and delivering it to our international partners.”

Creative England said it has invested over £14.5 million into the film, TV, games and digital media sectors. In the world of feature films, it has launched the well-received iFeatures funding initiative. This is its first dedicated UK drama initiative.

Caroline Norbury, CEO of Creative England said: “It is fantastic to be working with eOne on such a unique venture that will give UK talent access to a global market and the chance to take their work to brand new audiences.”