Monday 27 June 2022

Channel 5 Commissions new daytime series from STV Studios

·    New series comprises 80 x 60" episodes of The Great Auction Showdown with Paul Martin

·    Latest in a series of high value commissions, following C4's recommission of drama Screw, and new 8-part crime thriller for Apple, Criminal Record, announced last week

·    Reminder: STV will hold a Capital Markets event focused on STV Studios today at 2pm

Channel 5 has announced a new series commission which forms part of the channel's expansion, bringing original programming to daytime. The Great Auction Showdown with Paul Martin (working title) (80 x 60") is to be produced by STV Studios in Scotland, commissioned by Commissioning Editor, Non-Scripted, Channel 5/Paramount+ Adrian Padmore for Channel 5. Executive Producers are Rosy Marshall-McCrae and John Redshaw for STV Studios.

The Great Auction Showdown with Paul Martin will play out stripped across the week, where much-loved antique dealer, Paul Martin, will go head-to-head with a rival expert as they compete to make the most at auction in a fun, yet fiercely competitive new format.  Filmed throughout the country, each episode will see the competing experts take part in a number of entertaining 'challenges' before auctioning their goods at the end of each day. From persuading the public to let them sell their beloved family heirlooms, to beating the clock, and discovering the towns' most valuable items, to standing on the rostrum and convincing the public to part with their hard-earned cash - who will be crowned Britain's best auctioneer of the week?

Craig Hunter, Creative Director of Factual at STV Studios, said: "We're thrilled to be partnering with Channel 5 for this fun and competitive new format. Paul is the consummate host and pitting him against new experts each week promises to be a fast paced and energetic showdown.   We can't wait to see what the public challenge Paul and his rivals to sell."

Adrian Padmore, Commissioning Editor, Non-Scripted, Channel 5/Paramount+ added: "I am really excited to be launching this new and exciting auction series and to have the expertise of Paul Martin on board. It is going to be very competitive, gavels at the ready!"

This announcement follows recent news of a recommission for STV Studios from Channel 4 for a second series of prison drama, Screw; and a commission for STV Studios and Tod Productions from Apple TV+ for an eight-part drama, Criminal Record. On Monday 20 June, STV Group plc provided updated guidance advising that the business now produces 9 returning series (up from 4 in 2020) and would exceed its stated 3 year-target to more than quadruple production revenues to £40m by the end of 2023 compared to the baseline year of 2020 (£8.7m).

There will be a virtual Capital Markets Event focusing on STV Studios at 2pm today, Monday 27 June. If you would like to attend please email angela.wilson@stv.tv. Materials presented during this event will subsequently be made available in the Investor Relations section of the STV website.

For more information, please contact:

Camarco:

Ben Woodford, Partner, Tel: 07790 653341