Ringside pairs with Fictionhouse, 44 Drama

Newen-backed UK drama producer Ringside Studios has taken a stake in new production company Fictionhouse and signed a multi-project development deal with 44 Drama.

Dominic Cooke

The deal with Fictionhouse was made through Ringside Media, the newly launched investment arm of Ringside Studios which is seeking and assessing more opportunities in the scripted space to join Ringside’s growing portfolio.

Fictionhouse is the brainchild of director and writer Dominic Cooke and Kate Horton, the former artistic and executive directors of London’s Royal Court Theatre. The production company was born out of the relationship forged by the pair during their time running the Royal Court.

Fictionhouse aims to bring the duo’s access to top writing, acting and directing talent to TV audiences and create distinctive drama. Alongside TV content creation, the company will continue to develop and produce an ambitious array of theatre productions.

Kate Horton

44 Drama is the production company established by former Touchpaper Television MD Rob Pursey.

The two companies will work together to foster two new scripted projects with international appeal, including one project to be written by Pursey. Best known for overseeing the supernatural hit drama Being Human (BBC, SyFy) whilst running Touchpaper Television, he is now working on a number of projects for 44 Drama.

Ringside was launched last year by Gub Neal, the former head of drama at UK network Channel 4, with backing from TF1-owned French outfit Newen.