Sky forms partnership with Znak&Jones Productions
Sky today announced a distribution partnership and equity investment with leading television producers Natalka Znak (I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Hell’s Kitchen) and Simon Jones (American Idol) and their newly created production company Znak&Jones Productions. The Company has already secured a major pilot deal with ITV for the classic format Name That Tune, and has projects in development with AMC, CMT and xBox.
With offices in Los Angeles, London and Atlanta and over four decades of producing experience combined, Znak&Jones develops original productions as well as sells and adapts international formats for both the US and UK markets. Under the deal, Znak&Jones will continue to operate as a distinct company producing directly for channels in both the US and UK. Sky has acquired an equity stake in the company and all Znak&Jones finished programming will be distributed by Sky Vision, Sky’s international distribution business.
Previously, Natalka served as Chief Executive Officer of Zodiak USA where she was responsible for overseeing the North American operations of Zodiak Media and produced over 20 projects including Celebrity Wife Swap and Secret Millionaire for ABC as well as truTV’s two highest-rated series Hardcore Pawn and Lizard Lick Towing. Prior to joining Zodiak, she served as Controller of Factual Entertainment for ITV Studios in London where she was responsible for creating and producing UK hits including I'm Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, Hell's Kitchen, and Love Island.
Simon served as Chief Executive Officer of Talpa Media USA where he established the US office and managed the US production operations for formats such as NBC’s The Winner Is… and The Voice. Before Talpa, Simon was Chief Operating Officer and ran Syco USA’s media operation for Simon Cowell and Sony Music. There, he was responsible for all of Syco's commercial television interests including the global roll out of The X Factor and Got Talent. Previously at FremantleMedia, Simon set up American Idol, established the format’s worldwide brand and served as Executive Producer on the series.
The investment forms part of Sky’s strategy to grow a broad, international content business spanning broadcasting, production and distribution. Sky works with leading global content businesses in a range of different ways to drive growth in international content distribution and develop more high-quality programmes for its UK & Ireland customers. Sky Vision deals extensively with independent producers, sourcing programming for distribution, largely from the UK and US. It has development deals with a number of production companies including Ugly Brother Studios in the US; and in the UK with back2back productions and Roughcut TV. Sky recently acquired a majority stake in Love Productions, with Sky Vision becoming the international distribution partner for all new shows and formats from the production company.
Jane Millichip, Managing Director, Sky Vision said: “This deal is one of the ways we are building a strong, international content business. Znak&Jones is an exciting new business with great potential. Natalka and Simon are among the best in the business with a fantastic pedigree of creating primetime hits with global appeal. I know they are working on lots of amazing ideas and we are excited about helping them to bring their programmes to audiences around the world.”
“The partnership is ideal in that we remain an independent, boutique operation able to best serve our respective broadcaster client needs and, at the same time, have a highly motivated international partner with a global distribution infrastructure necessary to drive a hit show,” said Natalka Znak and Simon Jones.
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For more information:
Sky
Robin Tozer
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