Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is strengthening its footprint in the UK drama industry by joining hands with Hot Sauce, a new creative label founded by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, the minds behind BBC’s acclaimed series The Salisbury Poisonings and Blue Lights. This strategic investment in Belfast-based Hot Sauce marks another significant step in SPT’s commitment to nurturing UK drama content, with no official terms or stakes revealed.
Lawn and Patterson, who first crossed paths working on investigative programs at BBC’s Panorama, made a splash in the TV drama space with The Salisbury Poisonings, which recreated the real-life 2018 novichok poisoning incident involving Russian spies. Their storytelling finesse in weaving high-tension, fact-based drama quickly gained them recognition, earning them a place in the UK’s top drama creators. Following their success with The Salisbury Poisonings, the duo went on to co-write Rogue Agent for Netflix and the BBC Northern Ireland police drama Blue Lights, which received a rare early renewal from the BBC, extending its run to a planned Season 4.
Initially conceived as a logo for their collaborative efforts, Hot Sauce has now developed into a fully-fledged independent production label that will be producing scripted TV and film content. The label aims to bring fresh, engaging stories to screens with a focus on high-quality UK dramas that appeal to international audiences. Shortly, Lawn and Patterson plan to expand the Hot Sauce team with strategic hires to support the growing slate of projects.
SPT’s Matthew Justice, EVP Head of UK and Europe, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the “unique and analytical approach” that Lawn and Patterson bring to storytelling, an approach that has led them to quickly become sought-after creators in the industry. Justice emphasized that SPT’s partnership with Hot Sauce is “an investment in Belfast’s industry,” viewing the city as a promising hub for UK and international drama production. SPT already has roots in Northern Ireland through its ownership of Stellify Media, the company behind Who Wants to be a Millionaire?.
For Lawn and Patterson, the backing of Sony Pictures Television represents both a vote of confidence in their creative vision and a recognition of Belfast’s growing role in the TV and film landscape. The duo expressed excitement for the future, describing SPT as “the perfect partners” to help bring their vision to life. “Their ambition and experience make them an ideal fit to support Hot Sauce’s growth,” they shared, adding that the collaboration is about expanding Belfast’s influence in international media.
SPT has been steadily building its UK production portfolio, with previous investments including a minority increase in Eleventh Hour Films, the company behind Alex Rider. Head of International Production, Wayne Garvie, has consistently voiced SPT’s ambition to become Britain’s largest drama studio. SPT’s current roster of successful UK dramas includes blockbuster titles like The Crown, Doctor Who, and Sex Education, positioning the company as a key player in the British TV landscape.
With Hot Sauce’s addition, SPT is set to deliver more original UK-based dramas that resonate globally, tapping into Lawn and Patterson’s proven storytelling talent and Northern Ireland’s growing media ecosystem.
