Sony Pictures acquires 'Mad Dogs', 'Wallander' maker

Sony Pictures Television has taken a "majority stake" in Left Bank Pictures, the British firm behind Wallander, Mad Dogs, Strike Back and Cardinal Burns.

The deal, which marks a significant expansion for Sony into the UK scripted productions sector, will see all future Left Bank content, both finished production and formats, distributed by Sony Pictures Television.



Alongside television formats, Sony will also have a first look option on distribution for any feature films produced by Left Bank.

In just five years of operation, Left Bank has established itself as a leading scripted production business, including awards recognition by the Golden Globes, Emmy's, Academy Awards, BAFTA and Royal Television Society.

The company has developed international co-productions with partners such as HBO and Mediaset, and created hit programmes including Wallander (BBC), Mad Dogs (Sky), Strike Back (Sky/HBO Cinemax), Cardinal Burns (E4) and DCI Banks (ITV).

It was founded in 2007 by former Granada and ITV Studios executives Andy Harries and Marigo Kehoe, with BBC Worldwide as a minority shareholder.

Alongside television, the company also has a film arm that recently produced the Aung San Suu Kyi biopic, The Lady (with Europacorp). It has also worked on the acclaimed adaptation of David Peace's The Damned United (Columbia Pictures) and All In Good Time (Studio Canal), based on Ayub Khan Din's hit National Theatre production.



SPT's president of international production, Andrea Wong, said that she was "excited to welcome Left Bank Pictures to our global production family".

"Powered by the outstanding creative talent of Andy, Marigo and their team, Left Bank is justifiably admired in the UK and internationally, making it the perfect complement to our diverse UK portfolio," said Wong.

Andy Harries said: "This is a brilliant opportunity for Left Bank and we are thrilled by the new partnership with SPT.

"I am a huge admirer of Andrea Wong and her energy and enthusiasm for our work is incredibly encouraging. This marks the start of a new phase of ambitious quality drama from us for the international market place."

Kehoe added: "Andrea Wong has a clear vision of SPT's future as a content provider in the global marketplace and has an impressive take on both the business and creative sides of the business. We are excited by the potential of this new partnership."

Harries and Kehoe will continue to lead Left Bank Pictures as chief executive and managing director respectively, based in the existing London office. But Harries will now report to Wong.

Left Bank is SPT's fourth UK production venture - Gogglebox Entertainment, Victory Television and Silver River - but the firm's biggest deal in Britain to date. Financial terms were not disclosed.