King’s Speech producer strikes first look deal with BBCWW

The King’s Speech producer See-Saw Films has struck a first look deal with BBC Worldwide and tells TBI about its plans to ramp up its television output.

The company, which is run by Iain Canning and Emile Sherman and has produced films including Tom Hooper’s The King’s Speech and Steve McQueen’s Shame, moved into television for the first time with Jane Campion’s Top of the Lake, which is being distributed by the commercial arm of the British public broadcaster.

This deal follows that arrangement and comes after the producer hired former BBC exec Jamie Laurenson as head of television.

Iain Canning told TBI earlier this year that it was heavily expanding into the international television business following the commission of Top of the Lake, which will air on BBC Two, Australia’s UKTV and Sundance Channel in the US. “We’re definitely going to complement the film side with more television and we’re definitely looking for more television projects,” he said.

Sarah Doole, creative director and head of indie drama for BBC Worldwide, added: “Ambition, creativity and top level talent are the hallmarks of See-Saw Films and bringing those qualities into TV production will result in some truly exciting and original content.  I’m looking forward to working with this immensely talented team.”