BBC Studios buys into Small Axe indie

BBC Studios has taken a minority stake in Small Axe and Uprising indie Turbine Studios.

BBCS managing director, scripted, Mark Linsey hailed the indie’s “enviable reputation” for “creating concept-led, franchise and premium thriller drama” and it’s track record in attracting “world-renowned talent” on both sides of the camera.

The indie co-produced Steve McQueen’s BBC1 drama anthology and its Bafta-winning factual companion with the film director's own company Lammas.

It also delivered Netflix’s adaptation of Robert Harris thriller Munich: The Edge of War, starring Jeremy Irons, and is now working on Apple TV+ eight-part conspiracy thriller Constellation starring The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo actor Noomi Rapace and Better Call Saul’s Jonathan Banks.

Turbine was founded in 2018 by Andrew Eaton, who previously co-founded Revolution Films with Michael Winterbottom; Artists Studio founder Justin Thomson; and former Rainmark Pictures colleagues Tracey Scoffield and David Tanner.

The deal follows BBCS’ recent investment in Kelly Webb-Lamb’s start-up Mothership Productions.

Under the terms of the deal, BBCS also takes a stake in sister company Turbine Studios Germany.