Sky Pictures To Close As Part Of Cost Cutting Drive

BSkyB is to close its movie division Sky Pictures. The closure of the film division, which was set up in 1998, is thought to have resulted from a strategic review focussed on costs. BSkyB also recently announced plans to cut jobs from Open, Sky Interactive and the business side of Sky News.

The decision to close Sky Pictures will reduce the amount of original content produced by BSkyB, raising questions about its commitment to content, but will allow the company to escape the risky business of in-house film production. The Sky Pictures name will be adopted by Pathe, which will produce eight films over the next two years, with the help of National Lottery funding and limited financial help from Sky.

BSkyB: 020 7705 3000 www.bskyb.com

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