BBC Studios invests in drama start-up Moonage Pictures

BBC Studios has acquired a minority stake in British scripted drama start-up Moonage Pictures.

Moonage consists of founders, Matthew Read – former commissioning editor for BBC Drama, Will Gould and Frith Tiplady – former co-MDs at Tiger Aspect.

The trio have been instrumental in making hit original British dramas including Peaky Blinders, Ripper Street, The Good Karma Hospital and Fortitiude.

They are now currently in production on Curfew, an eight-part series for Sky One written by Matthew Read and directed by Colm McCarthy.

Helen Jackson (pictured), managing director of content partnerships at BBC Studios, said: “Matthew, Will and Frith embody the brilliance of British drama and to partner a production company with their vision and passion for producing bold, colourful and engaging stories was irresistible.

“I am confident Moonage Pictures will become a vibrant creative powerhouse in the UK drama market and beyond. This is exciting news for lovers of British drama across the world.”

Gould added: “We’re super excited to be announcing our partnership with BBC Studios. They have a really good understanding of how we want to work; we’re an independent company that values creativity above all else, working with the best of the best to make dramas with a global ambition.

“BBC Studios can help us do this and we look forward to the journey ahead with them.”