Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has confirmed that it has taken a majority stake in production company Left Bank Pictures, signalling a significant move into scripted production in the UK.

Under this agreement, SPT will also distribute future Left Bank TV content, both finished programming and formats, and will have a first look distribution option on feature films.

Announcing the deal, SPT”s president of international production, Andrea Wong, said: “I”m very excited to welcome Left Bank Pictures to our global production family.   Powered by an outstanding creative team, Left Bank Pictures is the perfect complement to our diverse UK portfolio.”

Left Bank CEO Andy Harries said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for Left Bank and we are thrilled by the new partnership with SPT. I am a huge admirer of Andrea Wong and her energy and enthusiasm for our work is incredibly encouraging. This marks the start of a new phase of ambitious quality drama from us for the international market place. “

Managing director of Left Bank Marigo Kehoe added: “Andrea Wong has a clear vision of SPT”s future as a content provider in the global marketplace and has an impressive take on both the business and creative sides of the business. We are excited by the potential of this new partnership.”

Left Bank is one of the UK”s leading producers of scripted TV programmes and has developed international co-productions with partners such as HBO and Mediaset. Its track record of successes includes Wallander (BBC), Mad Dogs (Sky), Strike Back (Sky/HBO Cinemax), Cardinal Burns (E4) and DCI Banks (ITV). The company”s film arm is behind titles such as the Aung San Suu Kyi biopic, The Lady (with EuropaCorp), the acclaimed adaptation of David Peace”s The Damned United (Columbia Pictures) and All In Good Time (StudioCanal) – based on Ayub Khan Din”s hit National Theatre production.

Left Bank Pictures is SPT”s fourth UK production venture, joining Gogglebox Entertainment, Victory Television and Silver River. Other markets outside the US where SPT produces scripted television locally include Germany, Russia, the Netherlands, The Middle East and across Latin America.

Full information on the productions mentioned above can be found on Production Intelligence, the online database of advance productions from The Knowledge: