BBC Studios boosts Aussie content pipeline with acquisition of Werner Film Productions
Jo Werner (left) and Kylie Washington
BBC Studios Productions Australia (BBCSPA) has acquired Melbourne-based prodco Werner Film Productions (The Newsreader), bolstering its pipeline of drama series from Down Under.
BBCSPA said the deal marks a significant investment in the Australian production industry and will help the scripted outfit grow its slate of drama series for both local and global audiences. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Werner will continue to be led by company director Joanna Werner and MD Stuart Menzies. The newly acquired prodco will operate alongside BBC Studios’ Australian production arm as an independent label, with both companies producing their own projects.
Werner is best known for producing drama The Newsreader for both Aussie pubcaster ABC and the BBC. It also makes teen surfing drama Surviving Summer for Netflix. The produce is currently in production on the third series of The Newsreader. Other shows from the prodco include Crazy Fun Park (ABC Me).
Helion Partners advised Werner Film Productions on its sale to BBC Studios.
BBC Studios (BBCS) has been stepping up its M&A activity in recent months, as it looks to grow its supply and distribution of formats and international productions.
In June of last year, the company acquired pan-Scandinavian prodco STV. The deal bolstered BBC Studios Nordic Productions and increased its presence in a region where BBC content is in high demand.
Based in Copenhagen with offices in both Norway and Sweden, STV make factual entertainment formats such as Big Love and Get Lost Honey. It also acts as local producer for unscripted shows like Long Lost Family, Wheel of Fortune and Bargain King.
Speaking to C21 prior to last month’s BBC Studios Showcase, Matt Forde, MD of global entertainment at BBC Studios Productions, hinted that the company was “very near to closing one or two” M&A deals.
At the start of March, BBCS also took full ownership of BritBox International, acquiring ITV’s 50% share for a cash consideration of £255m (US$321m).
Launched by BBCS and UK commercial broadcaster ITV in 2017, BritBox International is a specialist streaming service delivering British scripted content to audiences in the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
The acquisition of Werner boosts BBCS’s pipeline of scripted Australian content, which includes local Death in Paradise spin-off Return to Paradise, produced with Red Planet Pictures for the ABC in association with the BBC.
Kylie Washington, general manager and creative director of BBCSPA, said: “I’m excited to welcome Werner Film Productions into the family.
“Australia has an incredibly vibrant creative community and is producing shows that resonate around the world so it’s a great time to invest further to support our local production industry.
“Jo and Stuart are amongst the best in the business and have a great track record in producing smart, entertaining and engaging dramas that speak to international audiences while remaining quintessentially Aussie.
“Their commitment to growing a sustainable industry and nurturing new talent aligns exactly with our values making them a fantastic addition to BBC Studios’ stable of independent labels.”
Werner said: “We are absolutely thrilled to join the global powerhouse BBC Studios and the brilliant team at BBC Studios Productions Australia.
“Working with BBC Studios will help us continue to tell Australian stories on a larger canvas for audiences here and around the world.”
Forde said: “It has been great getting to know Jo, Stuart and the rest of the Werner Film Productions team over the last couple of years.
“Their passion and creativity has seen them carve out a place as one of the most talented and interesting scripted companies in the world. The Newsreader has been a massive hit on the BBC in the UK with viewers and critics alike, as well as internationally.
“I’m excited by the projects they have in development and the opportunity for BBC Studios to support the slate that Jo is building.”
