FremantleMedia buys into Corona TV

FremantleMedia has taken a 25% stake in Corona TV, a UK start-up formed by filmmaking duo Richard Johns and Rupert Jermyn.

The deal, which gives FremantleMedia a first-look option on all Corona TV output, is designed to help Fremantle to build its scripted pipeline and attract international coproduction funding.

Fremantle previously teamed up with Johns and Jermyn on Birds of Prey, a TV adaption of the first three novels of Wilbur Smith’s Courtney series, scripted by JJ Connolly (Layer Cake).

Corona TV is a sister company of Corona Pictures, which was established by Johns and Jermyn in London in 2009. The company develops, produces and markets feature films and television programmes worldwide, including established territories and emerging markets such as China.

The Fremantle deal was brokered by the firm’s director of global drama, Sarah Doole, who will take a seat on the board of the new company.

“Richard and Rupert have more than 25 years experience in producing successful feature films,” Doole said. “Because of this, they look at scripted projects in a completely different way from most production companies, bringing a big-screen presence to the small screen.

“We’ve looked at their production slate and they have some exciting ideas which are ripe for international coproduction funding.”