Sky, ex-Discovery Networks International boss buy into Sugar Films

The Sugar Films team

European pay TV operator Sky and former Discovery Networks International CEO and president Mark Hollinger have bought stakes in UK production outfit Sugar Films.

It is the first major industry news regarding Hollinger since he left Discovery’s international arm more than two years ago. He will become Sugar’s chairman as part of his investment into the company.

Sky’s international production and distribution arm, Sky Vision, will become Sugar’s sole distributor, representing all new formats and programming.

Former BBC creative chief Pat Younge founded Sugar last year, along with seasoned producers Kwadjo Dajan, Narinder Minhas, Lucy Pilkington and Nav Raman.

Sugar is currently producing White Boys and Black Heroes for BBC Two in the UK, and is creating a digital shorts series with Channel 4, and has a pipeline of shows in development.

Sky and Hollinger will support the firm’s creation of new scripted and unscripted projects for the main and diverse audiences in the UK and international markets.

“I have worked with both Pat and Sky for many years, and am absolutely delighted to be part of this compelling partnership,” said Hollinger. “Sugar Films is a team of terrific creative executives and the support that Sky brings to the mix should mean great things for Sugar.

Sky Vision, meanwhile, houses Sky’s production investments, which comprise Sky Vision Productions and equity stakes in Love Productions, Blast! Films, Jupiter Entertainment, Znak & Jones, Talos Entertainment and now Sugar.

“Sugar Films is a dynamic production company with a mix of experienced executives and cutting edge creative talent,” said Sky Vision managing director Jane Millichip.

“In a short space of time, they have built an impressive development slate of both scripted and non-scripted shows. We’re really excited to be working with them to build the business both in the UK and internationally.”