Sony Pictures Television

Sony Pictures Television Inc.
Division
Industry
Predecessor
Founded September 16, 2002 (2002-09-16)
Headquarters Culver City, California, USA
Area served
 Worldwide
Key people
  • Mike Hopkins[1] (Chairman)
  • Jeff Frost[2] (President)
  • Chris Parnell[2] (Co-president)
  • Jason Clodfelter[2](Co-president)
Parent Sony Pictures Entertainment
Divisions
Subsidiaries
Website sonypicturestelevision.com

Sony Pictures Television Inc. (or SPT) is an American television production and distribution studio founded in 2002 as the successor to Columbia TriStar Television. Based in Culver City, it is a division of Sony Entertainment's Sony Pictures Entertainment and a unit of the Japanese conglomerate Sony.

Background

In addition to the Sony Pictures Entertainment film library, SPT owns and distributes shows from Tandem Productions, ELP Communications, TeleVentures, Merv Griffin Enterprises, Four D Productions, Barris Industries, Barry & Enright Productions, Stewart Television, and 2waytraffic. It is a joint owner of Game Show Network with AT&T,[3] owns the Crackle digital service, and jointly owns the rights to most of the post-1947 Bob Hope film library with FremantleMedia North America.

SPT owns production or distribution rights in many comedies and dramas spanning more than six decades, including such titles as The Flying Nun, I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, Gidget, The Monkees, The Partridge Family, Hazel, The Hathaways, Route 66, the 1959 Dennis the Menace series, Who's the Boss?, Married... with Children, Designing Women,[4] Castle Rock Entertainment's Seinfeld, The King of Queens in the United States while CBS handles overseas rights, Community, Rules of Engagement, Breaking Bad and The Blacklist. The company also produces Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, the two longest-running and highest-rated game shows in syndication while CBS Television Distribution distributes the two;[5] two daytime talk shows, The Dr. Oz Show[6] and The Queen Latifah Show;[7] the reality shows Shark Tank[8] and The Sing-Off;[9] and two long-running soap operas, NBC's Days of Our Lives[4] and CBS's The Young and the Restless.[10]

History

SPT's history goes back to 1947, when Pioneer Telefilms was founded by Ralph Cohn, whose father Jack and uncle Harry co-founded Columbia Pictures. Pioneer was bought by Columbia and renamed Screen Gems in November 1948, reincorporated as Columbia Pictures Television on May 6, 1974,[11] and merged with sister studio TriStar Television (formed in 1986 and relaunched in 1991) to form Columbia TriStar Television on February 21, 1994.[12]

On September 16, 2002, Sony Pictures Entertainment retired the name "Columbia TriStar" from television and renamed the American studio as Sony Pictures Television and its international division as Sony Pictures Television International.[13] Some shows continued using the CTDT name, although many stopped using it in November 2002, while Hollywood Squares continued using it until early 2003.

On November 24, 2004, Sony Pictures Television International formed a joint venture called Huaso with Hua Long Film Digital Production Co., Ltd. of the China Film Group in Beijing.[14][15]

From 2005 to 2006, SPT was the distributor of MGM's TV and film library, due in part to the Sony-led consortium's purchase of MGM. In 2006, SPT joined forces with Program Partners to handle advertising sales and distribution rights to foreign television series in the U.S., mostly shows produced in Canada. The same year, SPT signed Embassy Row a three-year deal for new game shows, game show revivals, and scripted and non-scripted series.

In summer 2007, SPT introduced The Minisode Network, a digital channel for MySpace airing shows from the 1960s to early 2000s from four to five minutes. In winter 2007, The Minisode Network was also added to a few more sites including AOL TV, YouTube, and its sister site Crackle.

On March 27, 2008, SPT International acquired a minority stake in the new production company Gogglebox Entertainment, founded by two former Lion Television executives, Matt Steiner and Adam Wood.[16][17] On June 4, 2008, SPT bought Hilversum, Netherlands-based production company 2waytraffic, international holders of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? franchise.[18]

In 2009, SPT collaborated with Jeff Arnold (founder of WebMD), Dr. Mehmet Oz, Harpo Productions, Discovery Communications, and HSW International. on Sharecare, an online platform where users have their health and wellness-related questions answered by industry experts.[19]

On January 14, 2009, SPT acquired Embassy Row, a television and digital production company by British television producer Michael Davies. Fourteen days later, SPTI acquired a 50% stake in Colombian independent TV production company Teleset.[20] Three months later on April 1, Sony Pictures Entertainment consolidated its US and international television divisions under one roof. Sony Pictures Television International now operates in-name-only.[21]

On June 23, 2011, SPT formed Victory Television, a London-based television production company jointly owned by Victoria Ashbourne, SPT's senior vice president of creative development for international production[22] (not to be confused with Jim Victory Television, a defunct syndication company previously owned by MTM Enterprises). On September 25, 2011, Andrea Wong was tapped to head the international television production division of Sony Pictures Television to oversee all international businesses for the studio.[23]

On January 19, 2012, SPT acquired Dolphin Broadcast Services Ltd. and merged it into its existing UK networks business. SPT also took a majority stake in Dolphin's advertising sales business.[24][25] On March 1, 2012, SPT acquired a majority stake in UK independent production company Silver River Productions.[26] On May 31, SPT launched Sony Movie Channel and AXN in Canada in partnership with Hollywood Suite. Two of Hollywood Suite's networks: Hollywood Festival re-launched as Sony Movie Channel and Hollywood Storm as AXN Movies on September 4, 2012.[27] On August 23, 2012, SPT acquired a majority stake in Left Bank Pictures, a UK production company founded by Andy Harries, Francis Hopkinson, and Marigo Kehoe.[28][29]

On August 22, 2013, Sony Pictures Television acquired a majority stake in Simon Andrae's new production company Scarlet Media.[30] However, two months later, Andrae dropped his plans for Scarlet and was tapped to become executive vice-president of alternative entertainment for Fox.[31] On December 16, 2013, Tuvalu Media joined forces with financing firm Karmign and acquired SPT's 60% stakes to regain independence. SPT acquired 60% in Tuvalu in 2008.[32]

On January 15, 2014, former BBC entertainment commissioner Karl Warner teamed with SPT to launch Electric Ray, which will collaborate with SPT in the U.S. and abroad on development for entertainment and informative programming. All of Electric Ray's programming will be exported by SPT. The company's name comes from the nickname for Warner's father, who was an electrician.[33][34] On March 20, 2014, SPT joined forces with execs Kieran Doherty and Matt Worthy to form Stellify Media. The new venture will be based in Northern Ireland. Just like Electric Ray, Stellify Media will collaborate with SPT's other production companies and UK shows and formats will be exported by SPT's distribution arm.[35]

On June 26, 2014, SPT announced the decision to acquire CSC Media Group including 16 of its cable channels.[36] the deal closed on August 15, 2014.[37] On November 6, 2014, Daisy Goodwin stepped down from Silver River Productions amid Sony's restructuring. The studio had restructured its operations to SPT's streamline operations. She was less active in her production company and had been focusing on her books.[38] On December 1, 2014, SPT acquired Australian drama production company, Playmaker Media.[39][40]

On July 26, 2014, Liberty Global announced that it had put Film1 up for sale.[41] Liberty Global agreed to sell Film1 to Sony Pictures Television on March 27, 2015.[42] The sale was completed on July 21, 2015.[43]

On May 28, 2015, TriStar Television was re-launched as a boutique production label for Sony Pictures Television. The revived studio will be run by Suzanne Patmore-Gibbs after being in-name-only for 15 years.[44] The first new series will be The Good Girls Revolt and is set to be piloted for Amazon.[35] On September 28, 2015, Steve Mosko was promoted to chairman of SPT. He held the position as president of the television studio since 2000 when it was known as Columbia TriStar Television.[45]

As of September 2015, it was the world's largest television production and distribution company measured by library and revenue (along with Time Warner's Warner Bros. Television).[46][47]

On March 1, 2016, Sony announced to shut down Victory Television after Managing Director Victoria Ashbourne announced to step down after five years to pursue other opportunities. SPT will retain international distribution rights for all of Victory's productions.[48] Thirteen days later, 2016, SPT acquired a minor stake in Faye Ward's UK startup company, Fable Pictures.[49] On April 1, 2016, Gogglebox Entertainment founders Adam Wood and Matt Steiner announced the closing of the Sony-backed independent to launch a new production venture after their contract with SPT expired.[50] On June 2, 2016, longtime SPT executive Steve Mosko stepped down as chairman of the studio.[51] Mosko had been with the studio since 1992. Instead of replacing him, the duties had been split to several SPT executives and will report to Sony Entertainment CEO, Michael Lynton. On June 7, 2016, SPT acquired a minority stake in UK production company Blueprint Pictures.[52]

On July 25, 2017, SPE's new chairman and CEO, Tony Vinciquerra tapped Jeff Frost, Chris Parnell, and Jason Clodfelter as co-presidents of SPT. Frost joined SPT in 2008 from ABC Studios, Parnell in 2003 and Clodfelter in 2006.[2]

On July 31, 2017, Sony Pictures Television announced that it would acquire a 95% controlling stake in anime importer Funimation for $143 million pending approval from the US Department of Justice.[53] Sony touted that the deal would allow Funimation to have synergies with its Animax and Kids Station divisions and "direct access to the creative pipeline". The Department of Justice approved the acquisition on August 22, 2017.[54] The deal was closed on October 27, 2017. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will take over Funimation's home video distribution operations after Funimation's current home video deal with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment expires. In addition, Funimation Films can potentially distribute anime films acquired by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions.

On October 24, 2017, Hulu's CEO Mike Hopkins became the new chairman of SPT.[1]

Television channels

These are the channels owned and operated and jointly operated by Sony Pictures Television. For channels owned under CSC Media Group, see CSC Media Group. For channels owned under Film1, see Film1.

See also

Notes and references

  1. 1 2 Hulu CEO is leaving to head Sony’s TV studio marketwatch.com October 24, 2017, Retrieved October 26, 2017
  2. 1 2 3 4 Annlee Ellingson (July 25, 2017). "Sony gets new TV leadership". Biz Journals.
  3. ↑ David Goetzl (June 30, 2011). "Sony Gains Control of GSN Even With Minority Stake". TVBlog. MediaPost. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  4. 1 2 John Nathan (2001). SONY. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. pp. 185, 186. ISBN 9780618126941.
  5. ↑ Tom Gilbert (August 19, 2007). "Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!: Merv Griffin's True TV Legacy". TelevisionWeek.
  6. ↑ "Dr. Oz Undergoes a Life-Saving Colonoscopy and Receives a Surprising Diagnosis as The Dr. Oz Show Launches Its Second Season Tuesday, September 7". The Futon Critic. September 1, 2010. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  7. ↑ "The Queen Latifah Show Posts Highest New Daytime Series Premiere of the Year". The Futon Critic. September 17, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  8. ↑ "Shark Tank, the Exciting New Show That Gives Budding Entrepreneurs a Chance to Make Their Moneymaking Business Or Idea Come True, Premieres Sunday, August 9, on the ABC Television Network". The Futon Critic. June 8, 2009. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  9. ↑ "NBC's New a Capella Singing Competition Series "The Sing-Off" Travels to Four Cities in Search of the Most Talented Groups in America". The Futon Critic. August 18, 2009. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  10. ↑ "Official page for The Young and the Restless". Sony Pictures Television. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  11. ↑ "Remodeling at Screen Gems". Broadcasting: 39. May 6, 1974.
  12. ↑ "Feltheimer heads new Columbia TriStar TV". EBSCO Host Connection. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  13. ↑ "Sony Pictures Entertainment Renames Television Operations; Domestic and International Divisions Take Sony Name". PR Newswire. September 16, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  14. ↑ "Sony Pictures Television International Forms First Fully Government Approved Television and Film Production Joint Venture in the People's Republic of China". PR Newswire. November 24, 2004. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  15. ↑ "Sony forms TV production JV in China". Indiantelevision.com. November 25, 2004. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  16. ↑ Jules Grant (March 27, 2008). "SPTI invests in new UK indie". C21Media. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  17. ↑ Jessica Rogers (March 26, 2008). "Sony takes stake in ex-Lion duo start-up". Broadcast. UK. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  18. ↑ Emily Brookes (June 4, 2008). "Sony finalises 2waytraffic acquisition". C21Media. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  19. ↑ Stuart Elliott (October 6, 2010). "Web Site to Offer Health Advice, Some of It From Marketers". New York Times. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  20. ↑ Anna Marie De La Fuente (January 28, 2009). "Sony TV into Teleset". Variety. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  21. ↑ "Sony combines TV units". The Hollywood Reporter. March 23, 2009. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  22. ↑ Andrew Laughlin (June 23, 2011). "Sony agrees new TV production tie-up". Digital Spy. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  23. ↑ Nellie Andreeva (September 25, 2011). "Andrea Wong Tapped As President Of Int'l Production At Sony Pictures TV & President International At Sony Pictures Entertainment". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Sony dives in with Dolphin". C21Media. January 19, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  25. ↑ Mark Sweney (January 19, 2012). "Sony Pictures Television buys Dolphin Broadcasting to boost UK presence". The Guardian. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  26. ↑ "Sony Pictures Television and Silver River Productions join forces UK expansion for SPT International Production". London, UK: Sony Pictures Press Releases. March 1, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Sony Pictures Television's Sony Movie Channel and AXN Movies to launch in Canada in partnership with Hollywood Suite". newswire.ca. CNW Group. May 31, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  28. ↑ "Sony Pictures Television Acquires UK's Left Bank Pictures". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  29. ↑ Leo Barraclough (August 23, 2012). "Sony Pictures TV buys stake in Left Bank". Variety. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  30. ↑ Nancy Tartaglione (August 22, 2013). "Sony Pictures Television, Simon Andreae Launch UK Production Outfit Scarlet Media". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  31. ↑ "Simon Andreae drops UK indie plans for job with Fox". broadcastnow.co.uk. Broadcast. October 22, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  32. ↑ Elsa Keslassy (December 16, 2013). "Report: Tuvalu Media Buys Out Sony Pictures' Stakes To Regain Independence". Variety. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  33. ↑ Nancy Tartaglione (January 21, 2014). "Sony Pictures Television, Karl Warner Launch UK Production Outfit Electric Ray". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  34. ↑ Lisa Campbell (January 15, 2014). "Karl Warner launches Sony-backed indie". broadcastnow.co.uk. Broadcast. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  35. 1 2 Nancy Tartaglione (March 20, 2014). "Sony Pictures Television Launches Northern Ireland Production Company Stellify Media". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  36. ↑ "Sony to buy Britain's CSC media group in TV network push". Fox Business. June 26, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  37. ↑ Stewart Clarke (August 15, 2014). "Sony closes CSC deal, ups Kate Marsh". TBI Vision. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  38. ↑ "Daisy Goodwin exits Silver River". tbivision.com. November 6, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  39. ↑ Cynthia Littleton (December 1, 2014). "Sony Pictures Television Acquires Australia's Playmaker Media". Variety. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  40. ↑ Pip Bulbeck. "Sony Pictures Television Acquires Australia's Playmaker Media". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  41. ↑ Robert Briel (July 26, 2014). "Liberty Global willing to sell Film1". BroadbandTVNews.com. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  42. ↑ Robert Briel (March 27, 2015). "Sony buys Film1 from Liberty Global". BroadbandTVNews.com. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  43. ↑ "SONY PICTURES TELEVISION CLOSES FILM1 DEAL". sonypicturestelevision.com (Press release). Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  44. ↑ Nellie Andreeva. "Sony Eyes Relaunching TriStar Television Banner Run By Suzanne Patmore Gibbs". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  45. ↑ Ryan Faughnder (September 28, 2015). "Steve Mosko upped to chairman of Sony Pictures Television". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  46. ↑ Nellie Andreeva (September 28, 2015). "Steve Mosko Named Chairman Of Sony Pictures TV". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  47. ↑ James Rainey; Cynthia Littleton (November 24, 2015). "After a Rough Film Year, Can Kevin Tsujihara Lead Warner Bros. Back to the Top?". Variety. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  48. ↑ Group, Andy Finney ATSF for the Digital TV. "DTG :: News :: ITV heading for strong growth, Sony to shut down Victory Television and Samsung top global TV market for 10th consecutive year : DTG Daily News March 2nd". dtg.org.uk. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  49. ↑ Ali Jaafar (March 14, 2016). "Sony Pictures Television Takes Stake In Faye Ward's Fable Pictures". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  50. ↑ Peter White. "Sony's Gogglebox Entertainment to close". m.broadcastnow.co.uk. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  51. ↑ Ryan Faughnder (June 2, 2016). "Sony Pictures shuffles TV division management after Steve Mosko exit". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  52. ↑ Ali Jaafar (June 7, 2016). "Sony Pictures TV Acquires Stake In TV Arm of Blueprint Pictures". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  53. ↑ Denise Petski (July 31, 2017). "Sony Pictures TV Networks To Acquire Majority Stake in Funimation". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  54. ↑ John Eggerton (August 22, 2017). "Feds Okay with Sony's Purchase of Funimation". Multichannel News.
  55. ↑ Kevin Downey (April 22, 2013). "Sony Pictures TV To Launch Movies Diginet". TVNewsCheck. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
  56. ↑ "Sony Pictures Television Networks to Launch US Spanish Language Entertainment Channel, Debuting on Verizon FiOS TV Cine Sony Television will launch on FiOS TV in August" (Press release). Sony Pictures Press Releases. July 19, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
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