‘Dating Naked UK’ Producer & ATS Strike Transatlantic Unscripted Partnership​on April 1, 2025 at 8:00 am

EXCLUSIVE: A pair of unscripted indies are aiming to open up opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic via a development and production partnership.

Dating Naked UK maker Nest Productions and ATS, which has offices in the UK and L.A., have struck the deal to forge unscripted co-pros and entertainment formats in the UK, while developing UK productions in the U.S., with production taking place in both territories.

The initiative is based around a number of key UK production benefits that Nest and ATS will make accessible to U.S. producers, they said. These include reduced costs of up to 20% for U.S. productions shot in the UK by offering lower price points for labour, kit, and crew; access to additional funding for large-scale projects filmed in Scotland through Nest’s Scottish base, and enhanced UK tax incentives. Nest has been championing an unscripted UK tax credit of late, as costs soar and the middle falls out the market.

Both companies have relatively nascent originals arms while also providing infrastructure for other TV shows. Nest makes Rylan Clarke-hosted Dating Naked UK for Paramount+, which was recently recommissioned, while working across the likes of TOWIE and Celebs Go Dating. ATS has provided services for huge shows including Ninja Warrior, Big Brother and The Amazing Race.

Nest MD Derek Drennan said: “This partnership is an exciting opportunity to combine our expertise and resources to help U.S. productions thrive in the UK. By leveraging the UK’s world-class talent, reduced production costs, and enhanced tax incentives, we can offer a compelling proposition for US producers looking to expand their footprint internationally.”

ATS MD Danny Sanz added: “The team bring a unique mastery when it comes to the development and infrastructure needed to bring together a high-quality project, and together, with our expertise in set-builds and international line productions, combining forces feels like a no-brainer. Having both supported the others work over the years, we are excited to launch our  strategic partnership towards the expansion of U.S. productions in the UK.”