Sony Pictures Television has bought Playmaker Media, arguably Australia.s hottest indie drama producer with four shows commissioned by free-to-air networks.

Former Fox Television Studios production executives David Maher and David Taylor, who founded Playmaker in 2009, will remain at the helm under a 5-year deal.

Earlier this year it.s believed Playmaker attracted the attention of other multi-nationals including Shine, but no deal eventuated.

Interviewed last week, Taylor told If, .When people kick the tyres we will always have a chat.. Today he said, .We have been talking to Sony for a while. We liked what they had to say and it.s a good opportunity..

One asset is that future Playmaker Media productions will be routed via Spt.s global distribution machine.

Historically the producers have dealt with Dcd Rights, All3 Media International, Zdf Enterprises and ITV Studios Global Entertainment after a first-look deal with Fremantle Media Enterprises elapsed.