Asacha Media Group, has acquired a majority stake in UK drama production
company, Red Planet Pictures.
Asacha Media Group was launched in April 2020 having acquired majority stakes in Italian production houses, Picomedia and Stand By Me and French production company Mintee Studio. It acquired UK factual indie, WAG Entertainment, in February 2021.
Asacha Media Group was co-founded by media entrepreneurs Gaspard de Chavagnac and Marina Williams, who lead the Group as Co-CEOs, and Marc-Antoine d’Halluin.
Jordan, Campbell and Jones will become minority shareholders in AMG alongside funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, founders and other managers of AMG’s production companies who also reinvested in the Group.
The deal will see Red Planet Pictures “tapping into AMG’s pan-European network of leading producers” to drive local adaptations and co- productions. The two companies are also looking to grow their business in emerging markets by combining established UK writing talent with strong local stories. This includes regions such as The Middle East and Eastern Europe, where Tony Jordan has created long running and award-winning drama, such as “Besa” for Serbian Television and “Al Mirath” for MBC.
Gaspard de Chavagnac and Marina Williams, AMG’s Co-CEOs said: “One year on from launching Asacha Media Group, we are excited to be further strengthening our UK presence by acquiring Red Planet Pictures. Under the leadership of Tony, Belinda and Alex, the Red Planet team has achieved an exceptional track record of producing returning hits that captivate global audiences. This acquisition will enhance our ability to serve leading platforms around the world and is another milestone in AMG’s roadmap to become a leading European content provider.”
Belinda Campbell and Alex Jones said: “In Asacha we have found a partner with whom we can further our ambitions in producing high quality, popular drama that resonates on a global stage. Working with Marina and Gaspard, we will benefit from not only a wider network across EMEA and beyond, but also like-minded creatives and the extended AMG family for exciting co- production opportunities. We look forward to exciting times ahead.”
Tony Jordan added: “We found a real connection with Marina and Gaspard and in Asacha’s ambition and philosophy. The Group is a great fit both creatively and commercially. I’m excited to be working together, creating stories that will connect with audiences across the world.”
Red Planet Pictures has several shows in production over the coming months, including Death in Paradise, Sanditon and Our House, the new thriller based on the award-winning, best-selling novel by Louise Candlish and adapted by Simon Ashdown for ITV. It begins filming this summer.
