Steve Michaels’ Asylum launches drama label Clovis Entertainment

Asylum Entertainment Group has launched new scripted label Clovis Entertainment, which will be run by former Sony Pictures Television exec Derek Stoops.

Stoops will report to Asylum’s CEO Steve Michaels, and will be responsible for managing creative teams and production.

Stoops previously worked as SVP of original programming for Sony Pictures TV Networks where, his credits included Absentia (Amazon), Carter (WGN), i(AXN), Hannibal (NBC), Crossing Lines (NBC), and The Firm (NBC). He also played a role in the division’s local language production efforts in Poland, Hungary, Japan, Mexico and Brazil.

Clovis will focus on character-driven English language dramas as well as local language dramas for international channels and platforms.

It will look for a cost-effective approach to series production. Clovis said its business model would provide writers, actors, directors, and producers the opportunity to make their passion projects and receive “uncommon financial upside with shared profit definitions alongside Asylum.”

Michaels said: “With our commitment to being lean and adaptive, our partners are investors alongside us, so when Clovis makes money, our partners do as well.”

Asylum recently announced Jodi Flynn as president of its flagship company, The Content Group.

Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer Michaels founded Asylum Entertainment in 2003 and under its banner executive produced a diverse slate of programming, including the Catherine Zeta-Jones’ film Cocaine Godmother, The Kennedys starring Katie Holmes and Greg Kinnear, ESPN’s hit franchise 30 for 30 and the feature documentary Happy Valley.