BBC Studios backs ex-Lime exec Sarah Tyekiff’s format firm Mettlemouse Entertainment

BBC Studios (BBCS) is backing former Lime Pictures’ exec Sarah Tyekiff’s nascent format prodco Mettlemouse Entertainment by taking a 25% stake.

Tyekiff, who was most recently head of unscripted at All3Media-backed Lime, is joined at Mettlemouse by former Youngest Media chief creative officer Shaun Parry, who becomes creative director.

The prodco is baseed out of the UK and will focus on unscripted formats, with BBCS gaining a first-look on global distribution and format rights.

Tyekiff previously ran the UK and US slate at Lime, as well as pitching to buyers globally. She departed in January having worked on shows including The Only Way Is Essex, Geordie Shore and Celebs Go Dating, and previously worked as an executive producer at ITV on shows such as Hell’s Kitchen and the re-launch of Saturday Night Take Away.

Parry had stints at Electric Ray and Endemol Shine Group prior to Youngest Media, which was closed earlier this year. His credits include Moneybags (Channel 4), Million Pound Menu (BBC Two) and reality show Bromans (ITV2).

BBC Studios’ acquisition appetite

The minority deal marks further expansions for BBCS, which has been bolstering its format acquisitions of late. Last month, it bought Nordic-based Big Love and The First Years producer STV in June as part of a strategy to expand its operations outside of the UK.

The organisation now owns or has investment stakes in 14 production labels, having invested in five indies in 2022 including fellow unscripted firm Voltage TV.

Emma Hardie, BBCS’s commercial director for international production & formats, said: “Sarah has been behind some of the UK’s most successful entertainment and primetime reality formats. She is building a formidable team around her and we are delighted to be partnering with Mettlemouse Entertainment to bring their exciting, creative ideas to UK and global audiences.”

Matt Forde, MD of international production & formats, added that Tyekiff and Parry’s “creative direction and ambition strongly aligns with BBC Studios in creating the next generation of Unscripted formats.”

Tyekiff said the deal would “supercharge our new adventure both here in the UK and globally.”