Roughcut cuts Sky channels development deal

UK indie producer Roughcut TV has agreed a programming deal with Sky whereby it will develop shows for the UK pay TV operator, which will sell them through its distribution arm Sky Vision.

The co-development and distribution deal will see the Ash Atalla-owned producer develop ideas with international appeal for Sky 1 and Sky Living. If commissioned Sky Vision will bring the shows to market.

The deal, announced this morning, will sit alongside an existing first-look deal with FremantleMedia International. That agreement was renewed in February and also sees the partners codevelop and FMI take international rights to Roughcut’s shows.

The indie’s deal with Sky will only impact new Roughcut shows for the Sky channels and FMI will continue to distribute its other output and existing titles such as comedy series Trollied, which has just been commissioned for a fourth series by Sky.

Speaking about the Sky deal Atalla said: “I am delighted to further strengthen Roughcut’s relationship with Sky. It’s good for us and we hope it will be good for them, so it’s handshakes all round.”

Lucy Lumsden, Sky’s head of comedy, said: “We’re delighted to be forging closer ties with Roughcut TV with this unique co-development and distribution deal. Trollied has been a huge hit with Sky customers and we look forward to developing even more great new home-grown comedy through this new partnership.”

Connie Hodson, commercial director at Sky Vision, added: “To build on Sky Vision’s momentum, we look forward to working with even more UK indies on international development opportunities, especially in entertainment, scripted and factual.”