The Stage

Sky’s Woolfe promises more ‘high end’ drama

Published Tuesday 12 December 2006 at 14:10 by Liz Thomas

Sky director of programmes Richard Woolfe has bolstered his commitment to original drama, promising more big budget shows on the broadcaster next year.

This year it will air a high definition adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather, starring David Jason, Tony Robinson and Nigel Planer and Woolfe is keen to build on this. Producers have optioned the rights on three more books in the Discworld series, including The Colour of Magic, the first in the fantasy franchise. Hogfather is being broadcast this month and it is highly likely that more productions will begin development next year.

Woolfe said: “This is going to be great for us. It’s Terry Pratchett - doing more is pretty much a no-brainer. In the next few years I want there to be more high end, ambitious drama on Sky One. It is good for the channel so yes, there will be more of it.”

He added that he felt that strong drama helped define a channel and bring audiences in.

Earlier this year Woolfe axed long-running football drama Dream Team but it is understood a replacement series will be announced early next year.

In October, Sky snapped up the rights to cult drama Lost, which had been broadcast on Channel 4. The deal ensured the drama would be available to viewers on its broadband and mobile platforms. While ratings for the show have subsequently halved since its move to the satellite broadcaster, the move is part of Sky’s push to be associated with high quality drama.