BBC takes full control of Lookout Point
July 5, 2018
BBC Studios, the production and commercial arm of the BBC, has bought the 51 per cent stake in UK production company Lookout Point that it didn’t already own – in line wih an option agreed in 2016.
Lookout Point, which was behind dramas including Ripper Street and the War & Peace adaptation, as well as Amazon series The Collection, will become an independent scripted studio within BBC Studios and will continue to be led by joint CEOs Simon Vaughan and Faith Penhale.
“Today’s announcement marks an important next step in our longstanding and successful relationship with Lookout Point,” said Tim Davie, the CEO of BBC Studios. “We share the same ambitions and vision around the importance of collaborating to deliver some of the very best and boldest British dramas to audiences at home and across the globe. Increasing our investment in the company enables us to cement the partnership on a permanent basis and ensures Lookout Point can continue to realize its full potential as a leading British drama player, working independently with the very best talent on and off-screen in the industry.”
Penhale added: “Maintaining our independent spirit and ability to push the boundaries of our creative intent is paramount to us as a British drama company. BBC Studios’ backing, support and partnership creates a stable and long-term environment in which we can continue to build an ambitious range of titles, and provide a nurturing home for the incredible portfolio of talent who choose to work with us.”
Upcoming titles from Lookout Point include Andrew Davies’ adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic Les Miserables, currently filming in Belgium and Northern France and starring Dominic West; and Gentleman Jack, a BBC/HBO co-commission written by Sally Wainwright and starring Suranne Jones.