Olswang advises Endemol Shine Group on launch of Wild Mercury Productions

This article was produced by Olswang LLP, which joined with CMS on 1 May 2017.

International technology, media and telecoms law firm Olswang has advised long-standing client Endemol Shine Group on the launch of new drama production company Wild Mercury Productions, which will be run independently by executive producer Derek Wax.

The first project from Wild Mercury will be Troy: Fall of a City for BBC One, a retelling of the Trojan War, which will be produced in association with Endemol Shine Group's production company, Kudos. The new production company also has a number of other projects currently in development, including a slate of contemporary dramas and the recently announced Cicero Project, the adaptedtrilogy of political thrillers set in ancient Rome.

Derek Wax joined Kudos in 2005 after producing Sally Wainwright's Sparkhouse at Red Productions for BBC One and the multiple BAFTA award-winning mini-series Sex Traffic at Granada for Channel 4. During his time at Kudos, he has produced and executive-produced numerous titles, such as the recent Channel 4 smash-hit Humans, among others.

Olswang Corporate Partner Rob Willis commented: "We are delighted to have advised the Endemol Shine Group and Kudos on its latest venture. Bringing together our corporate, tax, media and employment expertise to structure and implement these types of talent based joint ventures has been a significant area of activity for us over the years. We now look forward to seeing the programmes that come from this new production house as the Endemol Shine Group's portfolio of scripted dramas continues to grow."

The Olswang team was led by Corporate Partner Rob Willis and Corporate Associate Tom Jameson, supported by Corporate Trainee Toby Lovett; Co-Head of Media and Commercial Partner Victoria Gaskell and Commercial Senior Associate Rebekah Hayes; Tax Partner Stephen Hignett and Tax Associate Rebecca Griffiths; and Employment Senior Associate Edward Arnold.

Read more about Olswang’s international legal practice on the firm’s website.