Sky and HBO are to join forces as co-production partners to develop a slate of high-end dramas in a partnership described by Sky as a “$250m multi-year co-production” deal.

The deal will focus on shows with an international slant – including casting – and engaging stories, and will be open to pitches from production companies in both Europe and the US.

A panel of executives from both HBO and Sky will greenlight a minimum of two projects a year, with the first, currently in development, due to reach screens in 2018.

Jeremy Darroch, group CEO of Sky, said: “HBO and Sky have for many years shared a common creative culture and a common vision for the development of high-quality drama. This new venture deepens that relationship, maintains our leadership position in world-class content, provides great opportunities for indies and gives our customers even more opportunity to enjoy brilliant story telling.”

Sky has been ramping up its original drama commissions over the last couple of years, with productions including Jamestown, Delicious (a second series of which is due to film later this year), Riviera (pictured), Tin Star and The Last Dragonslayer among the recent high-profile titles.

HBO, whose best-known UK-produced show is the behemoth Game of Thrones, recently boarded Lookout Point”s new Sally Wainwright drama for BBC One, Shibden Hall, due to shoot next year.