Sony Invests In Production Company Whisper

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has invested in The Whisper Group, the broadcast production agency set up by David Coulthard, Jake Humphrey and Sunil Patel in 2010.

The Group, which comprises live sport production company Whisper, Chapter 3 Graphics and East Media, has numerous interests in sport, providing coverage of NFL, the Paralympics, Formula One, SailGP, Women’s Super League, International Cricket and W Series, amongst others.

The move brings an end to Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund involvement with Whisper, after it had taken a minority stake in the company in 2015.

“This is big news for Whisper,” said Patel, Co-Founder and CEO, Whisper. “Our absolute belief is that entertainment is everything and Sony Pictures Television is one of the top players in the entertainment world.  

“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. We are keen to grow internationally and to develop formats that can help build an exciting IP catalogue.  

“We would never be where we are today without the trust and belief that was placed in us by Channel 4. They have been a fantastic partner and we thank them for everything they have done with and for us over the last four and a half years.”  

“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.”  

Alex Mahon, CEO, Channel 4 said: “Since joining our Indie Growth Fund family in 2015, Whisper have taken their business from strength to strength – successfully transitioning into TV production and building an incredibly talented team. We’ve really enjoyed working with Sunil, David and Jake and wish them every success for the future as they continue to the next stage of their development with Sony.” 

SPT, meanwhile, says this new investment is in keeping with its wider strategy of diversifying the group’s production portfolio, which has included the launch of pop culture focused creative label Human Media in 2018, and broadening its interest in children’s programming with the acquisition of Silvergate Media in December 2019. 

Wayne Garvie, President, International Production, SPT, said, “Whisper have become one of the most talked about production companies in the UK. 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.”  

Whisper Co-Founder David Coulthard added: “The company’s progression from 2010, when we were established, to now has been remarkable and this significant agreement marks a new stage for Whisper and its continuing growth. The weight of experience and expertise at Sony Pictures Television can directly help us progress into new areas while continuing with our award-winning sports coverage, which is what attracted SPT to us in the first place.”