ITV Studios today announced that it has acquired a majority stake in Eagle EyeDrama, one of the UK's fastest growing drama producers, launched in 2018 by Walter Iuzzolino, Jo McGrath and Jason Thorp, the team also behind the streaming international drama films, Walter Presents on. Channel 4.
Eagle Eye, which has been part of Channel 4's Indie Growth Fund since 2019, produces a wide range of scripted content, from original dramas to adaptations of critically acclaimed international series for English-speaking audiences, with its slate including a string of successful returning shows, including those on ITV. Professor T AND Hotel Portofino, Channel 4 Before dying AND Suspect, as well as The couple next door, which was the biggest streaming launch ever planned by Channel 4.
As part of the deal, ITV Studios also acquired a majority stake in Belgium-based production services company Happy Duck, led by producer and director Dries Vos (Professor T, The Couple Next Door), which provides services to Eagle Eye's global listing.
Professor Tstarring Ben Miller and adapted from the Belgian series of the same name, it has been sold in over 120 territories worldwide, with Portofino Hotel broadcast in over 70 territories on five continents and The couple next door also recording very strong international sales.
Upcoming series include PBS Patiencewith Laura Fraser (breaking Bad) and Ella Maisy Purvis (Negligence) AND Bookishcreated by and starring Mark Gatiss for UKTV's Alibi, while the company has several projects in development.
International distribution of the new Eagle Eye series will be handled by ITV Studios.
Julian Bellamy, CEO of ITV Studiossaid: “Since launching Eagle Eye just five years ago, Walter, Jo and Jason have built a truly impressive screenwriting business. Disruptive, innovative and international, Eagle Eye has carved out a real point of difference in the market. I'm delighted to welcome them to ITV Studios.”
Eagle eye Drama CEO Walter Iuzzolino added: “The team has transformed ITV Studios into the UK's most exciting production powerhouse and we are incredibly proud and honored to join them, and the illustrious roster of extraordinary creative minds, for the next phase of Eagle Eye's growth journey.”