ITV Takes Stake in Alison Owen, Debra Hayward’s Monumental

LONDON — ITV Studios Global Entertainment, the international distribution arm of U.K. TV network ITV, has acquired a minority stake in Monumental Television, the indie recently founded by producers Alison Owen and Debra Hayward.

The agreement will see ITVS GE exclusively distribute all television productions from Monumental, which is already in advanced development on several major scripted series.

Owen is the founder of production company Ruby Film and Television, which she set up in 1998. Along with producing feature films, including the Oscar-nominated “Elizabeth,” “Saving Mr. Banks” and “Jane Eyre,” Ruby was behind high-end television dramas “Case Histories,” “Dancing on the Edge” and “Temple Grandin,” which won an Emmy.

Hayward most recently produced the Oscar-nominated “Les Miserables.” She was formerly head of films at Working Title, where she had creative responsibility for the company’s feature film slate, including the “Bridget Jones’ Diary” franchise, “Atonement” and the multi-Oscar nominated “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.”

Ruth Clarke, exec VP global content and co-productions, ITVS GE, said: “In our increasingly international industry, this is a fantastic time for drama production; the opportunities in scripted television are enticing major talent from the film industry. Alison and Debra are prolific and highly respected film producers, with world-class contacts. We have been blown away by their development slate of high-end drama, which will bring a cinematic approach to the smallscreen.”

“The international television landscape has changed out of all recognition,” Owen said. “It’s not just that the wall between television and film has collapsed, it’s that the digital business has opened up a whole new space that is ready to house drama every bit as cinematic as movies, full of high-quality writing, and just as attractive to A-list talent.”

Hayward added: “Since Alison and I formed Monumental, television has been at the heart of our vision for the new company. Ruth Clarke and her team understand the changing landscape better than anyone, and we are excited to be partnering with them.”

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