Industry

BBC Studios has announced that it has acquired STV, an award-winning pan-Scandinavian production company. This acquisition will build on the company’s existing production capabilities and expand its presence in the region.

Based in Copenhagen, STV is responsible for developing successful factual entertainment formats such as Big Love and Get Lost Honey. It also acts as local producer for acclaimed Long Lost Family, Wheel of Fortune and Bargain King, in addition to long-running scripted series The First Years. BBC Studios and STV have an established relationship, partnering on original IP, Denmark Saves the Planet for TV2 and the ongoing development of a local version of The Office.

STV’s three existing bases will be rebranded as BBC Studios Nordic Productions and the regional MD, Daniel Svarts, will report into Jan Salling, Head of BBC Studios Nordic. The production company will produce local adaptations of the unscripted and scripted formats in the BBC Studios catalogue, in addition to developing original IP for a local and global audience. BBC Studios will also distribute and produce STV formats outside of Scandinavia.

Matt Forde, Managing Director of International Production and Formats at BBC Studios, said: “There is a huge affinity and affection in the region for the BBC brand and a growing demand for our content locally. Establishing a wide ranging production presence in the region has been a long-held ambition and a natural evolution for the business after several years of successful format licensing and co-production. Becoming a fully-independent local producer will allow us to have wider creative conversations and to act on the opportunity to develop and export original creative IP from Scandinavia to the wider international market. This acquisition cements us as an international producer of scale.”

Jacob DeBoer, EVP International Production and Formats at BBC Studios, said: “We are thrilled that the incredibly talented team at STV are joining forces with us to become BBC Studios Nordic Productions. They are an exceptionally creative team with an excellent track record and with Jan at the helm of our newest production house, we can’t wait to bring our ideas to broadcasters and platforms in Scandinavia and beyond.”

René Szczyrbak, Founder of STV, said: “STV has been my baby and my business for thirty-six years. To pass on the company was a major decision, but handing over the keys to BBC Studios feels right and makes me extremely proud as the BBC brand has always been synonymous with outstanding quality. I’m equally proud that the entire management team under the leadership of Daniel Svarts will remain in place to provide continuity for our important relationships in the market. I will continue to support the team and the company in any way possible.”