Sony launches Northern Irish indie

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has teamed up with entertainment producers Kieran Doherty and Matt Worthy to launch a new indie in Northern Ireland.

Based in Belfast, Stellify Media will produce entertainment formats for UK broadcasters, to be distributed by SPT’s distribution arm.

Stellify Media will also collaborate with SPT’s US and international production companies on development.

The joint venture marks SPT’s first move into production in Northern Ireland.

Doherty and Worthy created the international quiz format Secret Fortune (BBC1) and the reality gameshow format Take the Money and Run (ABC US), during their time at indie Wild Rover Productions.

They also developed a number of original entertainment series and gameshows including Dara O Briain’s School of Hard Sums (Dave) and magic series David Meade: Make Believe (BBC1 NI). Most recently they developed quiz pilots You Against The Nation for BBC1 and Divide & Conquer for UK broadcaster Channel 4.

The duo also co-founded Northern Ireland’s largest media networking group, Media Therapy.

SPT’s UK production business also compromises Victory Television, Gogglebox Entertainment, Silver River Productions, Left Bank Pictures and the recently announced joint venture with Karl Warner, Electric Ray.

With the launch of Stellify Media, SPT’s international production business now comprises 18 companies in 12 countries.