Sony Pictures Television Expands In U.K. With Silver River Acquisition

Just ahead of next month’s MIP TV market, Sony Pictures Television has added to its international production and distribution business by taking a majority stake in UK indie producer Silver River. Silver River works across a wide range of genres with programs on such UK channels as BBC1, ITV1 and Channel 4. Its current slate includes documentary Elizabeth Taylor Queen Of Diamonds which explores the late legend’s life through jewelry and fashion. SPT’s distribution arm, which will now rep Silver River programs and formats internationally, will launch Elizabeth Taylor and other titles including anti-cosmetic surgery show Say No To The Knife at MIP in April. Silver Rivers Daisy Goodwin will continue as president of the London-based company and now reports to SPTs president of international production Andrea Wong. The addition of Silver River marks SPTs 3rd UK production venture alongside Gogglebox Entertainment and Victory Television. In other Sony news, SPT Networks has announced the launch of a dedicated film channel for the UK. The Sony Movie Channel will debut in the spring with contemporary library features and TV movies from Sony Pictures as well as other studios and indie distributors. The channel will be carried on pay-TV Skys basic package.