Industry

ITV Studios has acquired a majority stake in Hartswood Films, the production company known for creating notable series like BBC's Sherlock. Founded in 1979 by Beryl Vertue and based in London and Cardiff, Hartswood is led by CEO Sue Vertue, with key figures including Debbie Vertue, Dan Cheesbrough, and Steven Moffat. The company has produced recent hits such as ITVX and ITV1's Douglas Is Cancelled and Prime Video's The Devil's Hour.

Hartswood collaborates with prominent producers, writers, and actors like Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Stanley Tucci. Their work includes BBC and Netflix series like Dracula and Inside Man, and their series Sherlock has been sold in over 200 territories. Future Hartswood commissions will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios.

ITV Studios' MD Julian Bellamy praised Hartswood's quality productions, while Sue Vertue expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Hartswood's independence while benefiting from ITV's strengths.