ITV Studios buys majority stake in Sherlock producer Hartswood Films

ITV Studios has acquired a majority stake in Hartswood Films, the award-winning production company behind hit scripted series including recent ITVX and ITV1 drama Douglas has been canceledPsychological thriller Prime Video The Devil’s Hour, and the BBC Sherlockstarring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

The news was revealed on Thursday as ITV, led by chief executive Carolyn McCall, presented its half-year financial and operational update.

Based in London and Cardiff, Hartswood Films was founded in 1979 by Beryl Vertue, making it the longest-running scripted production company in the UK, according to the companies.

Hartswood Films, led by CEO and Executive Producer Sue Vertue, alongside COO Debbie Vertue, Managing Director Dan Cheesbrough and Creative Director and Executive Producer Steven Moffat, has a strong slate of drama and comedy series for global broadcasters and streaming services including Netflix.

The latest series also include Dracula and a thriller mini-series Inside a human beingfor both BBC and Netflix, as well as Wolf AND Control Room for the BBC. Sherlockwhich aired for four seasons and won nine Emmy Awards, has been sold to more than 200 territories worldwide.

International distribution for future Hartswood films will be handled by ITV Studios.

“WITH Men behaving badly Down Sherlock, The Devil’s Hour Down Douglas has been canceled“Hartswood Films has been a huge part of the television landscape for decades,” said Julian Bellamy, Managing Director of ITV Studios. “They have a hard-earned reputation for producing brilliant, high-quality, ambitious and highly successful scripted television.”

Sue Vertue said: “Hartswood is not known for making rash decisions. It has taken us 40 years to come to this decision and we are delighted that we have made the decision to partner with ITV Studios.”