All3 acquires stake in Matt Lucas prodco

All3Media has acquired a minority stake in John Stanley Productions, better known as Little Britain star Matt Lucas’ production company.

The deal sees All3 becoming a shareholder in Lucas’ firm, and includes an international distribution agreement via All3Media International and a coproduction development pact with Stephen Lambert’s All3Media America.

Farah Ramzan Golant, All3’s CEO said: “As All3media expands its entertainment portfolio both in the UK and internationally investing in one of the UK’s most talented comedy writers and performers is exactly what we should be doing.”

Lucas first found fame in BBC comedy gameshow Shooting Stars before achieving global stardom through series such as Little Britain and Come Fly with Me along with comedy partner David Walliams.

He launched John Stanley in 2011 and has since focused on developing on comedy for radio and television. It is currently developing Pompidou, a series for BBC One that will shoot next year, and has piloted three shows for ITV.

“This is my next step in complete world domination,” he quipped. “I won’t stop until I own everything in existence and I’m delighted that we have a shared vision with All3media.”

Last week, TBI revealed All3 was launching a US arm of its German production company MME/Filmpool, with Danny Villa hired to helm the launch.