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Sky sets up Irish entertainment fund

Philip Edgar Jones (left) with JD Buckley

European satcaster Sky has launched a content fund of more than €2m (US$2.4m) for original Irish entertainment commissions for its Sky1 channel.

The fund builds on Sky’s previous investment in Irish productions with the success of shows such as the International Emmy-winning Moone Boy and comedy 50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy.

Philip Edgar-Jones, head of entertainment at Sky, is in Dublin this week to launch the fund alongside the MD of Sky Ireland, JD Buckley.

The pair are calling for the Irish independent production sector to submit their programming ideas in a bid to find the next hit show.

Submissions should have a focus across the entertainment/factual entertainment and comedy ents genres for Sky1 as the channel aims to move to an edgier, more mischievous and grown-up audience appeal, the broadcaster said.

From October, three new entertainment shows will be launched on Sky1 starting with Sing: Ultimate A Cappella, hosted by Cat Deeley, bringing together 30 a cappella groups (including two Irish acts) in a competition based on raw vocal talent.

Carmageddon, in which souped-up battle-ready cars will face their judgement day, is also planned, as is Revolution, a new large-scale action-entertainment show that pitches skateboards, BMXers and skaters against one other.

The content fund is part of Sky’s commitment to invest in local production in each of its territories, with crossover appeal to Sky customers across Europe.

“Ireland has a thriving production sector and we want to bring the biggest and best of Irish entertainment to Sky customers across Europe,” said Philip Edgar-Jones, head of entertainment at Sky. “Sky1 is the home of entertainment and we are looking for bold, action-packed shows.”

Sky Ireland is also working on a new co-funded project with the Irish Film Board, details of which will be announced soon.

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