In a move that underscores the growing creative prowess of Northern Ireland, Sony Pictures Television has unveiled the launch of Hot Sauce, a Belfast-based production company helmed by acclaimed investigative journalists-turned-drama creatives Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson. The duo, known for their work on projects like the Netflix film Rogue Agent and the BBC police drama Blue Lights, are poised to take the industry by storm with the backing of this global media powerhouse.

Unlocking Belfast's Untapped Potential

A Powerhouse Partnership

The partnership between Hot Sauce and Sony Pictures Television represents a strategic investment in the future of Belfast's creative landscape. As a majority-owned company, Hot Sauce joins the SPT International Production group portfolio, alongside other esteemed scripted companies such as Left Bank Pictures, Eleven, Eleventh Hour Films, and Cardiff-based Bad Wolf. This move not only solidifies SPT's presence in the region but also underscores the global media giant's confidence in the city's burgeoning talent pool and its potential to become a hub for television and film production.

Harnessing Investigative Prowess

Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, the driving forces behind Hot Sauce, bring a unique blend of investigative journalism and creative storytelling to the table. Their backgrounds as reporters for the BBC's flagship current affairs show Panorama have honed their ability to uncover compelling narratives and delve into the complexities of the human experience. This analytical approach to crafting drama has earned them critical acclaim, with their work on the hit BBC drama The Salisbury Poisonings becoming the network's most-watched drama of 2021.

Expanding the Scripted Landscape

The investment by SPT in Hot Sauce represents a strategic move to bolster the scripted production capabilities in Belfast. While the city has long been known for its thriving non-scripted and formats industry, thanks to the presence of Stellify Media, this partnership with Hot Sauce aims to elevate the scripted landscape. By tapping into the creative talents of Lawn and Patterson, SPT is poised to unlock a new era of compelling, character-driven narratives that will captivate audiences worldwide.

A Diverse Creative Portfolio

The duo's impressive body of work, which includes the Netflix film Rogue Agent and the critically acclaimed BBC drama Blue Lights, showcases their versatility and ability to tackle a wide range of genres. From gritty police procedurals to high-stakes espionage thrillers, Lawn and Patterson have demonstrated a keen understanding of the nuances of storytelling and a knack for crafting characters that resonate with viewers. This diverse creative portfolio positions Hot Sauce as a formidable player in the global television and film market.

Nurturing Talent and Fostering Growth

The partnership with SPT not only provides Hot Sauce with the resources and support to expand its operations but also presents an opportunity to nurture emerging talent in the region. By tapping into the wealth of creative potential in Belfast, Lawn and Patterson aim to build a production company that not only delivers captivating content but also serves as a launchpad for the next generation of storytellers. This investment in the local creative community underscores SPT's commitment to fostering a thriving and sustainable production ecosystem in Northern Ireland.

A Transformative Moment for Belfast

The launch of Hot Sauce and its partnership with Sony Pictures Television represents a transformative moment for Belfast's creative landscape. As Matthew Justice, executive vice president and head of UK & Europe at Sony Pictures Television, aptly stated, this deal "further builds out our national portfolio and, alongside Bad Wolf's base in Wales and Left Bank's production work in Scotland on Outlander and Department Q, highlights the creative brilliance across our entire national production landscape." With the backing of a global media powerhouse, Hot Sauce is poised to become a beacon of excellence, showcasing the city's untapped potential and cementing its status as a thriving hub for television and film production.