Sony Pictures Television eyes deeper int’l partnerships & coproduction across EMEA

Mark Young

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is looking to expand its partnerships across CEE, with coproductions of increasing interest to the US studio as it looks to expand its global activities.

SPT has enjoyed a stellar run of late, particularly with its HBO Max drama The Last Of Us attracting worldwide attention, while shows from outside of the US include the third and final season of His Dark Materials from its UK-based prodco Bad Wolf.

There is also increasing appetite to develop deeper relationships in regions such as CEE, according to Mark Young, EVP of distribution & networks in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Ten Pound Poms

“Great stories can come from everywhere and we are really expanding our production capabilities around the world,” Young told delegates at NEM Dubrovnik.

“We want to understand the local nuances as well as the tastes of local audiences,” he continued, adding that co-production opportunities were of particularl interest to his company.

Young added that while Sony is working with streamers on numerous global projects, its independent nature – something of a boon during the recent streaming wars – means it is also focused on partnering with multiple smaller operators on a country-by-country basis.

Sony’s recent LA Screenings gathering has also been seen as something of a success according to international buyers spoken to by TBI, with upcoming series such as Ten Pound Poms, The Winter King and Twisted Metal sales gathering momentum.

The latter is the latest video game ‘adaptation’ and while Young talked up the potential treasure trove of IP held by Sony thanks to its gaming capabilities, he said the development process remained vital.

“As much as we’ve got a built-in audience from PlayStation gamers, if you know the IP and you aren’t a gamer, [the show] needs to stand on its own – it still needs to be brilliant television.”