Workerbee, a Banijay UK company, has signed a first-look deal with award-winning Made In Manchester that will see the two production companies join forces to generate new content ideas.
Combining the efforts of Workerbee’s factual film division and Made In Manchester’s aural entertainment nous, the two will work closely on the development of new ideas, as well as delving into Made in Manchester’s rich catalogue of radio documentaries and podcasts with a view to developing projects for television and radio.
Both production houses remain fully independent following the agreement.
Established in 2005, Made in Manchester has produced hundreds of documentaries from history to investigative, lifestyle, social affairs, music and entertainment programmes. The company also produces drama, comedy and panel shows. MIM’s slate has been broadcast on networks around the world, including all seven of the BBC’s main UK radio stations, the BBC World Service, German broadcaster DW, RTE in Ireland and PRX in New York.
Credits in the past year alone have included the critically acclaimed The Truth About Jazz with Clive Myrie (World Service) Ukraine’s Nuclear Gamble (Radio 4/World Service), The Other Side of Death Row (World Service), The Day I Met The Queen (5Live) and Ricky Wilson’s Rock and Roll Classics (Radio 2).
The company also produces two globally popular podcasts – Distinct Nostalgia, which features exclusive interviews and reunions celebrating some of the biggest names in TV and film and, according to the maker, is in the top 25 per cent of online shows worldwide and Bisexual Brunch, which has featured in the Pride Power List and is in the top 10 per cent of most-listened-to podcasts globally.
Workerbee’s recent successes include The Bridge and Idris Elba’s Fight School.
Rick Murray, CEO of Workerbee Group, said: “Made in Manchester have a treasure trove of award-winning content that would work brilliantly on television. This is an exciting partnership and I’m looking forward to working with Ashley and the team as we develop and expand our premium factual offering. This co-pro deal marks the first in a small number of key creative partnerships we are planning that will help Workerbee Films develop its next generation of world class projects.”
Ashley Byrne, creative director of Made in Manchester, added: “As we enter our 18th year, the MIM team is delighted and excited to be working with Workerbee Group. Both companies have a rich heritage in developing compelling ideas for broadcast in different mediums and across a variety of genres and our combined efforts will lead to the production of even more popular and award-winning programmes. Radio and TV production continues to thrive, and we hope our partnership will unleash the talents of even more creative people in the North of England.”
