Fox Entertainment and Australian pay-TV giant Foxtel have recently announced a new pact to co-produce scripted series for the U.S. and international markets. This collaboration will involve the co-development of shows that will be made in Australia by Fox’s in-house studio arm, Fox Entertainment Studios. The agreement also includes original content specifically for Foxtel and its subscription streaming service, Binge, which has been actively commissioning international content in recent years.
While this is the first time Fox and Foxtel have worked on a joint project, the companies have a connection through the Murdoch family, which controls Fox and has a majority share in Foxtel through News Corp Australia. Fox shows such as Animal Control and Krapopolis are already streaming in Australia on Binge, showcasing the potential for successful collaboration between the two entities.
Fox has been actively pursuing international co-production opportunities, such as working with UK’s Hat Trick Productions and Canada’s CBC on various projects. By partnering with international studios and producers, Fox is able to produce high-end content at competitive price points. This strategy allows Fox to operate outside the traditional vertically-integrated structure of U.S. studios and expand its global presence effectively.
The CEO of Fox Entertainment emphasized the importance of expanding the company’s international footprint through innovative business models. The recent formalized structure of Fox Entertainment, built on three key business operations, is designed to facilitate growth by collaborating with top companies and creatives worldwide. The partnership with Foxtel is seen as a strategic move to achieve this goal and produce content that appeals to both local and international audiences.
For Foxtel, the co-production deal with Fox Entertainment comes at a time when Australian producers, networks, and streamers are actively seeking collaborations with overseas partners. The success of Binge comedy Colin From Accounts and Irish-Australian drama Mix Tape highlights the potential for local productions to resonate on a global scale. By investing in strategic content partnerships like the one with Fox Entertainment, Foxtel aims to bring Australian stories to audiences around the world.
The new co-production deal between Fox Entertainment and Foxtel represents a significant opportunity for both companies to create compelling and diverse content for international audiences. By leveraging each other’s strengths and resources, they can deliver high-quality productions that resonate with viewers globally. This collaboration showcases the importance of strategic partnerships in the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.