Beta Film joins Number 9 Films to roll out TV joint venture led by Kate Laffey

L-R: Elizabeth Karlsen, Stephen Woolley and Kate Laffey

Germany’s Beta Film has partnered with London-based movie prodco Number 9 Films to launch joint venture Number 9 TV (N9TV), to be run by former Paramount executive Kate Laffey.

The JV will focus on making high-end scripted TV, combining the creative talents of Number 9 Films with Beta’s experience in developing, financing and distributing TV globally.

Number 9 Films was co-founded in 2022 by award-winning producers Elizabeth Karlsen (Carol) and Stephen Woolley (The Crying Game). The indie outfit has produced films such as On Chesil Beach, adapted from Ian McEwan’s book, and war comedy-drama Their Finest, starring Gemma Arterton.

Munich-based Beta Film was founded in 1959 and has been owned by German TV veteran Jan Mojto since 2004. As well as distributing titles such as hit ecological drama The Swarm, Beta has stakes in several European companies such as Autentic and Sweden’s Unlimited Stories.

Experienced executive Laffey joins N9TV from Paramount TV International Studios where she was head of content for UK and Europe. She has also served as VP of ViacomCBS Int Studios, VP of acquisitions at Cineflix Rights and senior acquisitions executive for scripted at ITV Studios.

Laffey said: “I’m delighted to join such a prestigious company as Number 9 Films at such a critical time in our industry’s evolution. I am excited to accelerate their nascent TV slate and to work with Beta to deliver a pipeline of strong scripted originals that will appeal to the international market.”

Karlsen and Woolley said in a joint statement: “This opportunity that Beta has gifted us is perfect timing for Number 9 to fulfil our long-felt passionate ambition to expand our creative ideas into producing longform stories.

“We are excited to welcome Kate into the team and look forward to combining our motion picture experience with her hands-on understanding of the television production and coproduction universe.”

Koby Gal Raday, chief content officer at Beta, added: “Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley are exceptional producers with a distinctive taste and a clear artistic vision.

“We are so proud to partner with Number 9 as they venture into scripted series. Their DNA compliments our vision of being the ultimate European haven for A-list creatives.  We heartly welcome Kate Laffey and look forward to working with this fabulous team.”