• 51% purchase represents the first strategic acquisition in key UK production sector
• Partnership with leading UK drama, advertising and documentary production company
• Expands content pipeline for Red Arrow’s distribution arm, SevenOne International
Red Arrow Entertainment Group today announced that it is in the final stages of a 51% acquisition of The Mob Film Co., an independent production company based in London, Manchester and Los Angeles, and run by partners Vadim Jean, Ian Sharples and John Brocklehurst. The Mob is one of the most successful independent TV production companies in the UK, shooting event drama, documentary and feature films throughout the world. The company has also built a rapidly growing advertising production business with an outstanding roster of industry-leading directors.
The Mob is best known for Sir Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld” TV drama adaptations, gaining record ratings and winning both BAFTA and RTS awards. Most recently the company has gained international acclaim for their award-winning feature documentary “In the Land of the Free”, narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and directed by Vadim Jean.
The deal represents the first strategic acquisition by Red Arrow in the key UK market. Content produced by The Mob will be sold worldwide by Red Arrow’s program distribution arm, SevenOne International. The Mob will also work closely with Red Arrow Entertainment UK, a newly formed subsidiary of Red Arrow Entertainment Group and managed by leading TV industry figures Joel Denton and James Baker.
Jan Frouman, Group Managing Director of Red Arrow, said: “We’re delighted to be building what is a hugely exciting partnership with The Mob. Red Arrow’s strategy is to invest in the very best talent and The Mob has proven to be outstanding at producing drama, documentaries and cutting-edge advertising of the highest quality. The team also has a deep understanding of new technologies like 3D, which are going to be of such importance to the global market in the future.”
Ian Sharples, partner at The Mob, added: “We are thrilled to have this extraordinary opportunity to join forces with Red Arrow Entertainment Group, which, under one roof, boasts a world-class and content-focused executive team, an outstanding international distribution company and a unique relationship with one of Europe’s premier broadcasting groups.”
For more information about The Mob Film Co., please visit: www.mobfilm.com