NBCUniversal is combining two of its TV studios into one entity.
The company will merge the streaming-focused UCP and Universal International Studios into a single unit called Universal Global Television. Beatrice Springborn, who has headed both UCP and UIS for the past several years, will remain at the helm of the Universal Global TV.
UCP’s current shows include Ted, The Burbs and the upcoming The Five Star-Weekend for Peacock and Apple TV’s Cape Fear, while UIS productions include All Her Fault, The Day of the Jackal and The Break-In, which recently scored a series order from Peacock. UIS also houses production companies Carnival Films, Working Title Television, Monkey, and Heyday TV.
The consolidation of UCP and Universal International Studios follows similar (albeit larger-scale) moves in the past year and a half at Disney (where ABC Signature became part of 20th TV) and Paramount (where MTV Entertainment and Showtime were folded into a relaunched Paramount TV Studios).
The merger will combine the creative and business teams from both studios and form one creative slate that NBCU hopes will better compete in the global marketplace and keep the commitment to producing scripted shows in the United States and the U.K. The consolidation is expected to cause a small number of layoffs, sources say.
