Endemol Shine buys into Lenny Henry prodco

Endemol Shine has taken a 50% stake in Douglas Road, UK comedian and actor Lenny Henry’s production comapany.

Under the terms of the deal, Endemol Shine’s distribution arm will sell Douglas Road content internationally.

Douglas Road’s recent commissions include When Lenny Got The Blues for Sky Arts.

The prodco was created by Henry and Eastenders exec Barbara Emile, and makes drama, factual and fact-ent programming.

“Barbara and I are excited about our partnership with Endemol Shine,” said Henry. “Our ambitions are to generate high end drama, comedy and factual entertainment that truly resembles the world we inhabit.”

Richard Johnston, CEO of Endemol Shine UK added: “The creative vision and track-record of Lenny Henry and Barbara Emile and the progress they have made in a short space of time makes Douglas Road an extremely exciting company to partner with.”

This comes soon after Endemol Shine partnered with former MasterChef executive producer Karen Smith to form Sidney Street.