MUMBAI: After successful production of TV series like Breaking Bad, Sony Pictures Entertainment has now decided to produce fewer films as it readies itself to make a significant shift from motion pictures to higher-margin television production and also to operating TV channels.

It is learnt that Sony had earlier in May received a letter from hedge fund investor Daniel Loeb. It was after this letter that the channel has been looking at investor support to improve the studio’s profitability. There have been several media reports which state that the studio is working with a third party to identify further cuts.

Sony’s pictures business, which includes its film and television operations, is expected to have revenues of $8.4 billion in fiscal year 2015, and an operating margin of 7.4 percent. In its music business, the company expects revenue of $4.8 billion with a 9.5 per cent operating income margin.

Media reports suggest that the studio is expected to release fewer than 20 films, down from the 23 released previously every year.

According to the company record released in October, the studio had an operating loss of $181 million in its fiscal second quarter that ended 30 September for its pictures unit, which includes film and TV production.