LupinandHijackcreatorGeorge Kayis launching an All3 Media-backed indie.
Observatory Pictureshas been set up in partnership with New Pictures, theAll3Media-owned drama producer behind shows including Kay’s ITV dramaThe Long Shadow.
Under terms of the pact, all of Observatory’s projects will be co-produced with New Pictures, with All3Media International holding international distribution rights.
Kay will work closely with New Pictures’ CEO Willow Grylls and executive producer Matt Sandford. He will look to create and shown “ambitious, commercially-successful high-end drama series” for streamers and networks in the UK and internationally.
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We understand Kay’s previous indie,Idiotlamp Productions,which he ran with director Jim Field-Smith, will remain operational, but only for existing IP such asHijack.All new Kay creations will go through Observatory.
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“This new partnership affords me the opportunity to create ambitious new shows and the freedom to secure the most suitable platform for each of them,” said Key. “Willow is a fantastic producer, and I look forward to continuing the great relationship I formed with her and the New Pictures team onThe Long Shadow.I can’t think of a better partner, and I’m thrilled to have the backing of Jane [Turton], Sara [Geater] and Louise [Pedersen] at All3Media and All3Media International.”
Kay’s credits including Apple TV+’s plane dramaHijack,Netflix’s French crime caperLupinandCriminal,an unusual anthology drama that spawned various European incarnations all set in the same police interrogation room. He has also written true crime TV dramasThe Long ShadowandLitvinkenko,both for ITVX, plus BBC2’sStag,and wrote opening season episodes forKilling Eve,The HourandThe Tunnel.Previously an unscripted producer, he also wrote and produced on Channel 4’sMy Mad Fat Diaryand is the co-creator of the BBC’s BAFTA-winning Gareth Malone seriesThe Choir.
“George is a phenomenally talented writer who I’ve been lucky to work with on the BAFTA-winningThe Long Shadow,”added Grylls. “As a screenwriter, he has an acute gift for character and storytelling, as a showrunner, an incredible ability and ambition to produce internationally defining shows that resonate with a global audience. I’m absolutely thrilled to be forming this unique and innovative partnership with him and All3. Backing new and established creative talent is at the heart of everything we do at New Pictures.”
Grylls’ company is known for shows such as HBO’sCatherine the Great,Paramount+’sNo EscapeandThe Missing,the BBC1/Starz co-production. Upcoming on its slate are Kris Mrksa’s upcoming ITV dramaProtection,the BBC’sCrongtonand eight-part thrillerEmpire of Dirt,which is being produced through a partnership with Kit Harington and writer Daniel West’s Thriller Films.
For its parent company, All3Media, the deal is one of its highest profile sinceRedBird IMI bought the UK-based super-indiefor £1.15B ($1.5B) in May. Following a relatively quiet period for theTraitorsowner, it has been expected to look at expansion with the support of its new owner. Today’s deal could give an example of the types of creative dealmaking it will favor.
“FromLupinandCriminal,LitvinenkotoThe Long ShadowandHijack,George has written and co-created award-winning scripted series that have travelled the world,” said All3 CEO Turton. “At All3Media, our focus is on quality — in both the programmes that we produce and the creative talent behind those shows — so I am delighted that George is partnering with New Pictures and All3Media to produce and distribute all of his new shows.
The Observatory Pictures agreement was brokered by Willow Grylls and Kay’s UK agent, Joe Phillips at Curtis Brown. In the U.S., Kay is represented by WME.