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Left Bank Pictures (stylized as LEFT BANK Pictures) is an English film and television production company. It was formed in 2007 by Andy Harries, formerly controller of drama, comedy and film at Granada Productions, and Francis Hopkinson and Marigo Kehoe.〔 The company is the first British media company to receive investment from BBC Worldwide, the commercial venture of the BBC; BBC Worldwide took a 25% equity stake, worth £1 million, in Left Bank in exchange for first-look distribution rights on all television productions. The company operates both television and film production departments. Key personnel are managing director Marigo Kehoe, formerly head of production in Harries' drama department at Granada, Francis Hopkinson, formerly senior commissioning editor of drama at Channel 4, and Suzanne Mackie, formerly director of development at Harbour Pictures. Left Bank Pictures' productions include the television series ''Wallander'', ''School of Comedy'' and ''Zen'', and the film ''The Damned United''. == History == Left Bank Pictures was founded in 2007 by Andy Harries, formerly controller of drama, comedy and film at Granada Productions, Francis Hopkinson and Marigo Kehoe.〔 The company is the first British media company to receive equity investment from BBC Worldwide, the commercial venture of the BBC. BBC Worldwide took a 25% stake, worth £1 million, in Left Bank in exchange for first-look distribution rights on all television productions,〔Harries, Andy (October 2008). "(Memorandum submitted by Left Bank Pictures )". Parliament of the United Kingdom. URL retrieved on 27 November 2008.〕 in a five-year deal.〔Rushton, Katherine (6 April 2012). "(Left Bank Pictures put up for sale at £40m )". ''The Daily Telegraph'' (Telegraph Media Group). URL retrieved on 6 April 2012.〕 Some critics were concerned about a conflict of interest for the publicly funded BBC; in ''The Guardian'', Steve Hewlett wrote that the deal could be a "back-door way of getting around the rules preventing the BBC producing programmes for its British rivals". Hewlett also commented that the investment might limit Left Bank's future prospects, as it was "tied to" the BBC.〔Hewlett, Steve (14 May 2007). "(Media FAQ )". ''The Guardian'' (Guardian News & Media): p. 3 (''MediaGuardian'' supplement).〕 Harries defended the investment, stating that both Martin Sorrell and Richard Branson had been approached to invest in the company but both wanted a complete acquisition rather than just a share.〔Armstrong, Stephen (27 October 2008). "('Making mischief is a good thing' )". ''The Guardian'' (Guardian News & Media): p. 5 (''MediaGuardian'' supplement).〕 Harries also approached Jon Feltheimer at Lionsgate.〔 In January 2008, Left Bank took a 15% stake in struggling production company Hardy & Sons, with a view to relaunching it as a drama and documentary production unit with BBC Worldwide.〔BBC Press Office (21 January 2008). "(BBC Worldwide, Hardy & Sons and Left Bank Pictures unveil three-way venture )". Press release. URL retrieved on 17 May 2008.〕 Left Bank Pictures had a turnover of £5.5 million its first year, with at least £20 million predicted for the second.〔 In December 2008, Left Bank Pictures was one of many independent production companies to receive the production vision award from the UK Film Council.〔() (11 December 2008). "(Over £2 million Lottery funding awarded to UK production companies to make new British films )". UK Film Council. URL retrieved on 24 March 2009.〕 The award part-funded Left Bank's film development slate. In February 2009, Suzanne Mackie, formerly head of development at Harbour Pictures, joined the company as head of film.〔Clarke, Steve (25 February 2009) "(Mackie moves to Left Bank )". ''Variety'' (Reed Business Information). URL retrieved on 25 February 2009.〕 Hopkinson announced his departure in 2011 to take up a new position with ITV Studios. Michael Casey joined the company, taking on the development slate, and Simon Lupton joined the comedy department.〔Pickard, Michael (13 May 2011). "(Left Bank makes comedy, drama hires )". C21media.com. URL retrieved on 13 May 2011.〕 The company was put up for sale for £40 million on 6 April 2012.〔〔"The Telegraph" (Left Bank Pictures put up for sale at £40m ) telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 7 September 2012〕 On 5 July 2012, Sony Pictures Television made a deal to acquire Left Bank for £40 million.〔Jake Kanter "Screen Daily" (SPT poised to snap up £40m Left Bank ) Screen Daily, Retrieved on 17 December 2013〕 The sale was completed on 23 August 2012, with SPT becoming the majority shareholder, and BBC Worldwide, Harries and Kehoe reducing their stake in the company. BBC Worldwide reduced its stake from 25% to 12.2%.〔"The Telegraph" (Sony takes stake in Left Bank ) telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 7 September 2012〕 Sony Pictures Television intends to build Left Bank's international productions.〔Kanter, Jake (23 August 2012). "(Global boost for Left Bank in £40m SPT deal )" . Broadcastnow (Emap). URL retrieved on 23 August 2012.〕〔"London Deadline" (Sony Pictures Television Acquires UK’s Left Bank Pictures ) deadline.com. Retrieved 23 August 2012〕〔"Variety" (Sony Pictures TV buys stake in Left Bank ) variety.com. Retrieved 23 August 2012〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Left Bank Pictures」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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