Sony launches Northern Ireland prodco

Sony Pictures Television is launching a production outfit in Northern Ireland.

Stellify Media is a joint venture with Kieran Doherty (left) and Matt Worthy (right, below), the creators behind BBC One’s international quiz format Secret Fortune and ABC’s reality gameshow Take the Money and Run.

Based in Belfast, Stellify will seek to create original content for UK and international broadcasters. It will also work SPT’s US and international production divisions to develop programming, while SPT will distribute Stellify formats and finished shows worldwide.

“We are delighted to be launching our own independent production company at a time when the production industry in Northern Ireland is thriving and producing some of the most popular shows on TV,” said Doherty and Worthy is a statement. “We are looking forward to capitalising on the current zeitgeist with our own innovative, original developments.”

SPT’s chief creative officer, international production Wayne Garvie described the pair as the “rising stars of a new generation of Irish creative”.

“They have proven success in developing popular entertainment and Stellify Media will be a marvellous addition to our family. Northern Ireland is fast becoming a hotspot for international production and at Sony we’re really excited about becoming part of the region’s creative community and launching exciting, global hits,” he added.

Besides Secret Fortune and Take the Money and Run, Doherty and Worthy have also developed and produced Dara O Briain’s School of Hard Sums for digital channel Dave and magic and mentalism series David Meade: Make Believe for BBC One NI and pilots You Against The Nation for BBC One and Divide & Conquer for Channel 4.

SPT’s UK production business now comprises Stellify, Victory Television, Gogglebox Entertainment, Silver River Productions, Left Bank Pictures and the recently announced joint venture with Karl Warner, Electric Ray.

Overall, SPT has 18 production companies in 12 territories.