Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has invested in The Whisper Group, comprising live sports and non-scripted production company Whisper, Chapter 3 Graphics and East Media.
Co-founded by Sunil Patel, broadcaster Jake Humphrey and F1’s David Coulthard, The Whisper Group produces coverage of the NFL, Paralympics, F1, SailGP, Women’s Super League, International Cricket and W Series.
This investment is said to diversify SPT’s production portfolio, following the launch of pop culture-focused creative label Human Media in 2018, and the acquisition of Silvergate Media in December 2019.
“Sport is at our heart and we’ll remain committed to immersive sports broadcasting, however, we have other ambitions which this move can help us to realise,” said Whisper co-founder and CEO Sunil Patel. “We are keen to grow internationally and to develop formats that can help build an exciting IP catalogue.
“We’re grateful for the support of Wayne Garvie and his team at SPT. We look forward to working together to expand Whisper’s reach and exploring opportunities to develop new ideas around their existing assets.”
“Whisper have become one of the most talked about production companies in the UK,” added SPT international production president Wayne Garvie. “Very quickly, they have established themselves as an innovative leader in sports content. We are thrilled to be joining Sunil, David, Jake and the team in helping to take Whisper to the next level.”
The move brings an end to Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund involvement with Whisper, having taken a minority stake in the company in 2015.
