YouTuber Joe Sugg launches prodco Final Straw with BBC Studios backing

Digital creator, actor, author and entertainment personality Joe Sugg is launching a new unscripted production company with backing from BBC Studios (BBCS).

Joe Sugg

The development, production and distribution deal will give the commercial arm of the BBC a first look at all content coming out of Sugg’s Final Straw Productions, which will launch on September 1.

The prodco is set to focus on developing entertainment and factual entertainment formats for audiences of all ages, BBCS said.

Sugg is a UK-based YouTuber whose videos cover vlogs, pranks, impressions and gaming, while he is also an actor and the author behind graphic novel series Username: Evie.

Sugg wrote, starred and executive produced travelogue specials Joe & Caspar: Hit the Road and Hit the Road USA with fellow YouTuber Caspar Lee, both of which are available on Netflix.

Sacha Grimsditch

As part of the deal, BBCS development executive Sacha Grimsditch will move to Final Straw Productions to support Sugg as he establishes the business as its development executive.

Grimsditch, whose credits include titles such as Celebrity Big Painting Challenge, Top Gear Little Mix: The Search and Game of Clones, has previously worked at companies including Talkback, Fremantle and Youngest Media.

The BBC and Sugg have been working together since 2015, with Sugg coming runner up on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 and appearing in BBC One drama The Syndicate.

Sugg said: “My head has always been so full of ideas, so to be able to have the opportunity to build a great team who can help bring these ideas to life with the backing of BBC Studios and their guidance and expertise is fantastic.”

Helen O’Donnell, head of BBCS Talent Works, added: “Joe is a fantastic creator who entertains and delights audiences across a range of platforms including his successful YouTube channel, on screen, as a podcast host and through his writing.

“He’s a creative force, and we’re so pleased that BBC Studios will continue to work with him during the next stage of his career. We can’t wait to support him in bringing his new projects to life.”