Sky Vision cuts first-look deals with UK indies

BSkyB’s distribution arm Sky Vision has signed first-look deals with two UK indie producers.

It will sell programming from ACME Films and Spark Media Partners under the terms of the deals as well as co-developing new shows with the indies, which Sky will sell internationally.

ACME is the drama and factual prodco run by Exit Through the Gift Shop producer Jaimie D’Cruz and Francesca Newby, the former production boss at Shine-owned prodco Dragonfly.

Spark Media Partners is the new formats company run by Steve Havers and Mark Baker, former execs from Zodiak’s Mast Media Steve Havet who struck out on their own earlier this year.

ACME’s D’Cruz said: “We’re very much looking forward to working with Sky Vision to help us get to the next level by creating an international profile for our scripted and factual output.”

“Setting up a production company was the natural next step for Mark and me,” said Spark’s Havers. “We are now able to take control of the whole life cycle of our ideas, from initial spark of inspiration, through the production process and ultimately to worldwide distribution.”

Barnaby Shingleton, Sky Vision’s recently-appointed director of entertainment & factual said: “ACME has a proven track record in producing award winning drama and documentaries and we are looking forward to working with them to bring their programming to a wider international audience.”

He added: “The creatives behind Spark have already had considerable international success with entertainment formats and Sky Vision is well placed to help them enjoy further success.”