Sky Studio Deal

Following the recent success of the Icelandic drama series “Sisterhood,” Sky Studios and top Nordic producer Sagafilm have renewed their multi-year development and distribution deal.

In 2019, Sagafilm formed a cooperation with Sky Studios, Sky Original’s European production and commissioning arm. Sky Studios will continue to co-develop and have a first-look option to distribute Sagafilm’s scripted series as part of the extended deal with NBCUniversal Global Distribution.

Sagafilm’s debut drama was “Sisterhood,” which was created in collaboration with Sky Studios. In April, the show premiered on the Icelandic streaming service Siminn, breaking all previous streaming records. In its first week, it received over 210,000 views, which is astounding considering the country’s population of 370,000 people.

Following the discovery of the skeleton remains of a young girl who vanished 25 years ago, the six-part drama chronicles the destiny of three women. The women grapple with a secret that threatens to shatter their carefully crafted lives as the police investigate the crime.

The series has sold to many regions across the world since its launch, most notably to Altice in France.

Sagafilm Nordic CEO Kjartan Thor Thordarson remarked, “Sky Studios has been a strong partner over the last few years, and we are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with them.”

“At Sagafilm, we want to expand our worldwide slate of English-language movies, and this renewed relationship provides us even more firepower to break new creative ground,” Thordarson continued.

“We are pleased to be expanding our successful relationship with Kjartan and his excellent team at Sagafilm,” said Jason Simms, Sky Studios’ director of international scripted.

Sky Studios’ relationship with Sagafilm, according to Simms, reflects the company’s desire to enhance its ties with local talent while also increasing its investment in European content, including successful shows like Sisterhood.

Sky Studios has other scripted and unscripted distribution and development relationships, including Noah Media Group and Merman TV in the United Kingdom.