“Edinburgh: We’re Both a Platform and Broadcast Business”

Sky Studios CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz has assured that there is no scenario in which Sky’s pay-TV customers will be deprived of access to Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max content when it launches in the UK.

Sky has long been the exclusive home of HBO content in the UK. However, with Warner Bros. Discovery’s expected move to host the content on their own streaming platform once the current deal ends in 2025, speculation has risen about the partnership’s future.

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Frot-Coutaz echoed sentiments from Sky CEO Dana Strong, reassuring delegates that Sky will maintain access to Max content. She mentioned that various scenarios are being considered, but emphasized that Max will remain accessible to Sky customers.

Some HBO shows, like “House of the Dragon,” will continue to be available via Sky despite the deal’s end, as they were acquired outside of the agreement. Additionally, the acquisition of the Max TV series “Penguin,” starring Colin Farrell, was also agreed upon separately.

Frot-Coutaz highlighted the strengths of Sky Studios’ original content, mentioning upcoming series such as “Sweetpea” on Sky Atlantic and “Day of the Jackal” and “Lockerbie” as Peacock co-productions. Trailers for these series were shown during the event, showcasing a comedy-drama with Ella Purnell called “Sweetpea” and a heart-wrenching drama “Lockerbie,” starring Colin Firth.

Frot-Coutaz emphasized the popularity of Sky originals among its customers, indicating that while HBO shows perform well, Sky’s own content is often more favored. According to her, homegrown content tends to win the hearts and minds of viewers, with blockbusters being exceptions rather than the rule.

Furthermore, she noted that Sky’s low-volume commissioning strategy has shielded it from the global entertainment industry’s economic downturn, allowing the company to sustain its investment levels.

Her appearance at the Edinburgh TV Festival comes shortly after she restructured the Sky Studios content team, promoting several executives.

Meghan Lyvers, now the Executive Director of Original Scripted, emphasized a commitment to returnable UK original series tailored for the UK audience. She underscored that these series are intended to resonate with their local community, with broader appeal considered a bonus.

In addition, Executive Director of Original Unscripted Phil Edgar-Jones unveiled new projects for Sky Arts, such as “Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story,” a portrait of the late Irish writer Edna O’Brien, to be released next year. Other upcoming unscripted works include “My Week With…” which features art expert Kate Bryan and iconic women artists, and “Pauline Black: A 2-Tone Story,” debuting in November, tracing the influence of Pauline Black on British music and diversity.

Also on the horizon is “Anita Rani – The Brontës: Sisters of Disruption” (working title), an exploration of the Brontë sisters in connection to Rani’s hometown of Bradford. Another project, “Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation,” will follow junior crafters as they hone their skills in traditional crafts like blacksmithing and stone carving and will air in November.

Furthermore, Sky Max’s game show “Rob Beckett’s Smart TV” has been renewed for a second season.

The ongoing developments and new content offerings underscore the resilience and adaptability of Sky in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, balancing its cherished partnerships with a robust lineup of original content.

Source: Deadline