Superindie Argonon is boosting its U.S. growth plans with a new hire and a promotion at Rose Rock Entertainment.
Spoke Studios director of development Darryl Cordova has been appointed senior director of development at Rose Rock replacing Travis Schoen who has been promoted to VP, production and development. Cordova reports into Joe Weinstock, Rose Rock’s CEO who last month was appointed in a newly created role as CEO of Argonon USA.
Cordova will be based in Argonon USA’s West Coast HQ and will closely with Weinstock to build on Rose Rock’s recent network commission wins, and further expand the Oklahoma and Los Angeles-based label’s range of unscripted projects. Since launching last year, Rose Rock has created and developed a slate of original programming including two currently unannounced series in production for U.S. networks as well as two specials, and has several projects in funded development including lifestyle,...
Spoke Studios director of development Darryl Cordova has been appointed senior director of development at Rose Rock replacing Travis Schoen who has been promoted to VP, production and development. Cordova reports into Joe Weinstock, Rose Rock’s CEO who last month was appointed in a newly created role as CEO of Argonon USA.
Cordova will be based in Argonon USA’s West Coast HQ and will closely with Weinstock to build on Rose Rock’s recent network commission wins, and further expand the Oklahoma and Los Angeles-based label’s range of unscripted projects. Since launching last year, Rose Rock has created and developed a slate of original programming including two currently unannounced series in production for U.S. networks as well as two specials, and has several projects in funded development including lifestyle,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Super-indie Argonon has appointed Joe Weinstock to the newly created role of chief executive, Argonon USA, reporting into global CEO James Burstall.
Argonon, a global production group headquartered in the U.K. and U.S., has a joint venture with Scottish indie production company Bandicoot, founded by Daniel Nettleton and Derek McLean, which makes the U.K. version of “The Masked Singer” as well as “The Masked Dancer.”
Weinstock co-founded Rose Rock Entertainment in a joint venture with Argonon in 2022. The group continues to scale up its U.S. operations with a core focus on the West Coast. Burstall becomes executive chair, Argonon USA, and will work closely with Weinstock to deliver the group’s U.S. growth strategy.
Confirmed commissions at Rose Rock include a currently unannounced series in production for a U.S. network and a one-off event TV show. Weinstock also has several projects in funded development with a range of networks.
Argonon, a global production group headquartered in the U.K. and U.S., has a joint venture with Scottish indie production company Bandicoot, founded by Daniel Nettleton and Derek McLean, which makes the U.K. version of “The Masked Singer” as well as “The Masked Dancer.”
Weinstock co-founded Rose Rock Entertainment in a joint venture with Argonon in 2022. The group continues to scale up its U.S. operations with a core focus on the West Coast. Burstall becomes executive chair, Argonon USA, and will work closely with Weinstock to deliver the group’s U.S. growth strategy.
Confirmed commissions at Rose Rock include a currently unannounced series in production for a U.S. network and a one-off event TV show. Weinstock also has several projects in funded development with a range of networks.
- 10/19/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Mbc Readies Arab ‘Million Dollar Island’
Saudi Arabi-based broadcaster Mbc is launched Ard Al-Million (Million Dollar Land), am Arab remake of Dutch format Million Dollar Island. Mbc Group will produce the show from Neom, the Saudi smart city, in partnership with Blue Engine Studios. The “high-stakes social experiment” will see 100 Arab contestants compete for $1M through a series of mental and physical challenges. Each is given a bracelet worth $10,000, which can be won or lost on various tasks. Actor and host Mohamed El Shehri will present and the show will go out on MBC1 and Mbc Iraq. A U.S. version of the show was shelved last year ahead of production for budgetary reasons. The format comes from John de Mol’s Talpa.
ITV Reapplies For Psb Channel License
Uk network ITV has applied to renew its channel licenses following the publication of the UK’s draft Media Bill. The...
Saudi Arabi-based broadcaster Mbc is launched Ard Al-Million (Million Dollar Land), am Arab remake of Dutch format Million Dollar Island. Mbc Group will produce the show from Neom, the Saudi smart city, in partnership with Blue Engine Studios. The “high-stakes social experiment” will see 100 Arab contestants compete for $1M through a series of mental and physical challenges. Each is given a bracelet worth $10,000, which can be won or lost on various tasks. Actor and host Mohamed El Shehri will present and the show will go out on MBC1 and Mbc Iraq. A U.S. version of the show was shelved last year ahead of production for budgetary reasons. The format comes from John de Mol’s Talpa.
ITV Reapplies For Psb Channel License
Uk network ITV has applied to renew its channel licenses following the publication of the UK’s draft Media Bill. The...
- 5/4/2023
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Appointments
Argonon Group, the parent company behind “The Masked Singer U.K.,” has appointed former Jupiter Entertainment executive VP Steve McGovern as COO of its U.S. business with a remit across Leopard USA, Rose Rock Entertainment and future U.S. operations including acquisitions.
Argonon, a global production group headquartered in the U.K. and U.S., owns Scottish indie production company Bandicoot, which makes the U.K. version of “The Masked Singer” as well as “The Masked Dancer.”
As part of the group’s strategic shift to the West Coast and upscaled focus on streamers, networks and platforms, McGovern’s role will be based in Los Angeles. Shirley Escott, currently Leopard USA’s COO, relocates to London to pursue other projects after five years in the post. McGovern will report into Argonon CEO James Burstall and Laura Bessell, Argonon’s global COO.
The role will see McGovern work closely...
Argonon Group, the parent company behind “The Masked Singer U.K.,” has appointed former Jupiter Entertainment executive VP Steve McGovern as COO of its U.S. business with a remit across Leopard USA, Rose Rock Entertainment and future U.S. operations including acquisitions.
Argonon, a global production group headquartered in the U.K. and U.S., owns Scottish indie production company Bandicoot, which makes the U.K. version of “The Masked Singer” as well as “The Masked Dancer.”
As part of the group’s strategic shift to the West Coast and upscaled focus on streamers, networks and platforms, McGovern’s role will be based in Los Angeles. Shirley Escott, currently Leopard USA’s COO, relocates to London to pursue other projects after five years in the post. McGovern will report into Argonon CEO James Burstall and Laura Bessell, Argonon’s global COO.
The role will see McGovern work closely...
- 4/5/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The Masked Singer UK maker Argonon has signed a Chief Operating Officer for its U.S. operation.
As part of the group’s West Coast focus, former Jupiter EVP Steve McGovern will join Argonon later this month, based out of LA.
McGovern becomes Argonon U.S.’s first COO. Argonon-owned Leopard USA COO Shirley Escott is leaving the outfit and returning to London to pursue other projects.
McGovern will be responsible for House Hunters International producer Leopard USA, recently-launched Rose Rock Entertainment and future U.S. acquisitions. Speaking to Deadline last year, Argonon CEO James Burstall said the outfit was in discussion over a number of West Coast partnerships and acquisitions, and it subsequently launched Rose Rock with former Spoke Studios Co-President Joe Weinstock.
Burstall called McGovern a “talented and dynamic executive who will bring extensive expertise, experience and leadership to the group in our rapidly growing operations in three locations across the U.
As part of the group’s West Coast focus, former Jupiter EVP Steve McGovern will join Argonon later this month, based out of LA.
McGovern becomes Argonon U.S.’s first COO. Argonon-owned Leopard USA COO Shirley Escott is leaving the outfit and returning to London to pursue other projects.
McGovern will be responsible for House Hunters International producer Leopard USA, recently-launched Rose Rock Entertainment and future U.S. acquisitions. Speaking to Deadline last year, Argonon CEO James Burstall said the outfit was in discussion over a number of West Coast partnerships and acquisitions, and it subsequently launched Rose Rock with former Spoke Studios Co-President Joe Weinstock.
Burstall called McGovern a “talented and dynamic executive who will bring extensive expertise, experience and leadership to the group in our rapidly growing operations in three locations across the U.
- 4/5/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
First programme reveal includes screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst, Argonon CEO James Burstall, Spun Gold TV MD Daniela Neumann, and more.
The Media Production & Technology Show has revealed the first speakers on the seminar programme for its 2023 show.
Taking place on 10-11 May in the iconic Grand Hall at Olympia London, the show will host more than 300 speakers across six theatres, featuring keynote presentations, masterclasses, panel discussions and educational sessions.
This year there is a special focus on disruptive and interactive technologies, including AI and virtual production.
The Keynote Theatre presents a host of industry leaders who will share their successes and visions for the future.
The Media Production & Technology Show has revealed the first speakers on the seminar programme for its 2023 show.
Taking place on 10-11 May in the iconic Grand Hall at Olympia London, the show will host more than 300 speakers across six theatres, featuring keynote presentations, masterclasses, panel discussions and educational sessions.
This year there is a special focus on disruptive and interactive technologies, including AI and virtual production.
The Keynote Theatre presents a host of industry leaders who will share their successes and visions for the future.
- 3/29/2023
- by Max Miller Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Argonon CEO James Burstall was prompted to write his new crisis management book “The Flexible Method: Prepare to Prosper in the Next Global Crisis” by the Covid-19 pandemic, when the TV industry – like much of the world – came to a grinding halt almost exactly three years ago. Shows including “The Masked Singer U.K.,” which is produced by Argonon subsidiary Bandicoot and usually filmed in front of a live audience, found themselves jeopardy.
But the seeds for the book were sown a decade or so earlier, during the 2008 “credit crunch.” Then, Burstall was the CEO of Leopard Films, which he had founded in 2001 following stints at Oxford University and Stanford and a transitory career in journalism working for Vanity Fair and London’s Evening Standard newspaper. Leopard was chugging along nicely, pumping out hits such as BBC daytime staple “Cash in the Attic,” when disaster struck for the first time. Fuelled by the sub-prime mortgage crisis,...
But the seeds for the book were sown a decade or so earlier, during the 2008 “credit crunch.” Then, Burstall was the CEO of Leopard Films, which he had founded in 2001 following stints at Oxford University and Stanford and a transitory career in journalism working for Vanity Fair and London’s Evening Standard newspaper. Leopard was chugging along nicely, pumping out hits such as BBC daytime staple “Cash in the Attic,” when disaster struck for the first time. Fuelled by the sub-prime mortgage crisis,...
- 3/29/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Argonon, the super-indie behind “The Masked Singer U.K.” and “Hard Cell,” has launched a new U.S. production company that marks its first joint venture Stateside.
The new outfit, Rose Rock Entertainment, is a Jv with producer and former Spoke Studios executive Joe Weinstock, whose executive producer credits include reality hit “Duck Dynasty” for A&e and “Assembly Required” with “Home Improvement” star Tim Allen for History Channel.
Launching with offices on the West Coast and Oklahoma, Rose Rock will focus on delivering “cinematic Americana factual content” with an entertainment edge. The company will lean on Weinstock’s extensive track record finding talent in the heart of America, and build on his expertise of male-skewed factual.
The banner becomes the ninth global label in the group and underlines Argonon’s ambitions to boost its U.S. growth, build on its growing West Coast presence and long-term East Coast base,...
The new outfit, Rose Rock Entertainment, is a Jv with producer and former Spoke Studios executive Joe Weinstock, whose executive producer credits include reality hit “Duck Dynasty” for A&e and “Assembly Required” with “Home Improvement” star Tim Allen for History Channel.
Launching with offices on the West Coast and Oklahoma, Rose Rock will focus on delivering “cinematic Americana factual content” with an entertainment edge. The company will lean on Weinstock’s extensive track record finding talent in the heart of America, and build on his expertise of male-skewed factual.
The banner becomes the ninth global label in the group and underlines Argonon’s ambitions to boost its U.S. growth, build on its growing West Coast presence and long-term East Coast base,...
- 5/31/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Joe Weinstock, Co-President of Brent Montgomery’s Wheelhouse Entertainment label Spoke Studios, has exited to launch a Jv with The Masked Singer UK and Netflix’s Hard Cell super-indie Argonon.
Rose Rock Entertainment will focus on delivering “cinematic American factual content” that is entertaining and edgy, building on Weinstock’s male-skewing factual expertise.
The indie will operate out of offices in Hollywood and Oklahoma and is Argonon’s first U.S. Jv, coming a few months after CEO James Burstall detailed a “strategic growth plan through international expansion and creative acquisition,” while shifting the U.S. development team from New York to LA. The Argonon West Coast office opened in 2020 and is overseen by Leopard USA Chief Creative Officer Lindsay Schwartz.
Weinstock joined Montgomery’s Wheelhouse-backed Spoke Studios four years ago and has since been responsible for the likes of Disney+’s Becoming, Discovery’s River of No Return...
Rose Rock Entertainment will focus on delivering “cinematic American factual content” that is entertaining and edgy, building on Weinstock’s male-skewing factual expertise.
The indie will operate out of offices in Hollywood and Oklahoma and is Argonon’s first U.S. Jv, coming a few months after CEO James Burstall detailed a “strategic growth plan through international expansion and creative acquisition,” while shifting the U.S. development team from New York to LA. The Argonon West Coast office opened in 2020 and is overseen by Leopard USA Chief Creative Officer Lindsay Schwartz.
Weinstock joined Montgomery’s Wheelhouse-backed Spoke Studios four years ago and has since been responsible for the likes of Disney+’s Becoming, Discovery’s River of No Return...
- 5/31/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
James Burstall, CEO of Argonon, the parent company behind “The Masked Singer U.K.,” has spoken out about the need for a “strong” BBC and Channel 4 for the good of the U.K. TV industry.
Speaking at the 2022 Creative Coalition Festival on Wednesday, Burstall said: “The BBC has absolutely propped up and created and grown and nurtured an incredible bed of talent, who then move out to the independent sector and then back again. I grew up with this extraordinary institution, which is flawed, probably needs some changes. But the truth of the matter is, it’s there, And it is an incredibly powerful, soft power tool all over the world.”
The U.K. TV license fee, the BBC’s main source of income, has been frozen for two years, while a consultation is ongoing on the privatization of Channel 4.
Burstall said that anywhere on the planet, people would...
Speaking at the 2022 Creative Coalition Festival on Wednesday, Burstall said: “The BBC has absolutely propped up and created and grown and nurtured an incredible bed of talent, who then move out to the independent sector and then back again. I grew up with this extraordinary institution, which is flawed, probably needs some changes. But the truth of the matter is, it’s there, And it is an incredibly powerful, soft power tool all over the world.”
The U.K. TV license fee, the BBC’s main source of income, has been frozen for two years, while a consultation is ongoing on the privatization of Channel 4.
Burstall said that anywhere on the planet, people would...
- 2/2/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Music Financier Invests In ITV’s ‘The Ipcress File’
Exclusive: Music financier Cutting Edge Media Music has invested in ITV’s adaptation of Len Deighton’s The Ipcress File and will take full music rights to the upcoming series. Altitude Television’s big-budget six-parter has already pre-sold to AMC+ and producer Andy Mayson said “Cutting Edge’s involvement and expertise has ensured the authentic sounds of the 60s feature.” The highly-anticipated series comes from Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Hodge and Emmy-winning director James Watkins, and stars Joe Cole, Tom Hollander and Lucy Boynton. Cole stars as Harry Palmer, a Cold War army sergeant who turns to spying in order to avoid prison, cutting his teeth on The Ipcress File. The book was adapted in 1965 into a hit film starring Michael Caine as Palmer.
‘Masked Singer UK’ Indie Bandicoot In Triple Hire
Masked Singer UK producer Bandicoot has made a triple hire...
Exclusive: Music financier Cutting Edge Media Music has invested in ITV’s adaptation of Len Deighton’s The Ipcress File and will take full music rights to the upcoming series. Altitude Television’s big-budget six-parter has already pre-sold to AMC+ and producer Andy Mayson said “Cutting Edge’s involvement and expertise has ensured the authentic sounds of the 60s feature.” The highly-anticipated series comes from Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Hodge and Emmy-winning director James Watkins, and stars Joe Cole, Tom Hollander and Lucy Boynton. Cole stars as Harry Palmer, a Cold War army sergeant who turns to spying in order to avoid prison, cutting his teeth on The Ipcress File. The book was adapted in 1965 into a hit film starring Michael Caine as Palmer.
‘Masked Singer UK’ Indie Bandicoot In Triple Hire
Masked Singer UK producer Bandicoot has made a triple hire...
- 1/24/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Masked Singer UK and Hard Cell super-indie Argonon is in advanced discussions over potential acquisitions on the West Coast and has shifted its U.S. development team to LA.
The move comes as CEO James Burstall forecasts the London-headquartered outfit’s “biggest year yet,” with a focus on M&a and West Coast expansion and 200 hours’ worth of production confirmed.
Burstall said a “strategic growth plan through international expansion and creative acquisition” will likely see the group enlarged by the end of 2022.
Discussions around potential West Coast acquisitions and partnerships are currently taking place, Deadline understands, with more to come over the coming weeks and months. Meanwhile, Argonon is to move its U.S. development team from its New York satellite to L.A.
The West Coast office opened in 2020 and is overseen by Leopard USA Chief Creative Officer Lindsay Schwartz.
Argonon most recently acquired UK brand agency Nemorin...
The move comes as CEO James Burstall forecasts the London-headquartered outfit’s “biggest year yet,” with a focus on M&a and West Coast expansion and 200 hours’ worth of production confirmed.
Burstall said a “strategic growth plan through international expansion and creative acquisition” will likely see the group enlarged by the end of 2022.
Discussions around potential West Coast acquisitions and partnerships are currently taking place, Deadline understands, with more to come over the coming weeks and months. Meanwhile, Argonon is to move its U.S. development team from its New York satellite to L.A.
The West Coast office opened in 2020 and is overseen by Leopard USA Chief Creative Officer Lindsay Schwartz.
Argonon most recently acquired UK brand agency Nemorin...
- 1/6/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Argonon Group, the parent company behind “The Masked Singer U.K.” has unveiled a company re-brand and new strategy for growth.
With offices in London, LA, New York, Glasgow and Liverpool, Argonon owns Scottish indie production company Bandicoot, which makes the U.K. version of “The Masked Singer” as well as “The Masked Dancer.”
The company celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2021.
Argonon’s revamped logo, which is accompanied by the new strapline “The world watches,” features the company’s name in stripped-back font with the central “o” enlarged or replaced by the image of an eye. It was first broadcast on Jan. 1 during “The Masked Singer U.K.”
According to the company, the logo “[highlights] the millions of viewers watching Argonon’s content across the world; as a representation of the range of talent and characters seen in the group’s programming; reflecting the diversity of the group’s talent, on and off-screen.
With offices in London, LA, New York, Glasgow and Liverpool, Argonon owns Scottish indie production company Bandicoot, which makes the U.K. version of “The Masked Singer” as well as “The Masked Dancer.”
The company celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2021.
Argonon’s revamped logo, which is accompanied by the new strapline “The world watches,” features the company’s name in stripped-back font with the central “o” enlarged or replaced by the image of an eye. It was first broadcast on Jan. 1 during “The Masked Singer U.K.”
According to the company, the logo “[highlights] the millions of viewers watching Argonon’s content across the world; as a representation of the range of talent and characters seen in the group’s programming; reflecting the diversity of the group’s talent, on and off-screen.
- 1/6/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. and U.S. production group Argonon has launched factual indie outfit Studio Leo, led by former Hat Trick executive Claire Collinson-Jones.
Studio Leo launches with “101 Years of Tesco,” an all-access three-part series for U.K. public service broadcaster Channel 5, which traces the British retail company’s rise, from a post-wwi market stall to the supermarket giant of today. The series is executive produced by Collinson-Jones and commissioned by Channel 5 commissioning editor Denise Seneviratne.
“This series marks 101 years of Tesco and the supermarket’s ability to adapt fast in the face of adversity,” said Seneviratne. “Through sheer determination, Claire Collinson-Jones at Studio Leo secured the access in the middle of a pandemic. I am confident that the Channel 5 audience will find the story both revealing and captivating.”
Collinson-Jones’ previous executive producer credits include hit formats for U.K. broadcasters, including “Rich House, Poor House” (Channel 5), “Dinner Date” (ITV...
Studio Leo launches with “101 Years of Tesco,” an all-access three-part series for U.K. public service broadcaster Channel 5, which traces the British retail company’s rise, from a post-wwi market stall to the supermarket giant of today. The series is executive produced by Collinson-Jones and commissioned by Channel 5 commissioning editor Denise Seneviratne.
“This series marks 101 years of Tesco and the supermarket’s ability to adapt fast in the face of adversity,” said Seneviratne. “Through sheer determination, Claire Collinson-Jones at Studio Leo secured the access in the middle of a pandemic. I am confident that the Channel 5 audience will find the story both revealing and captivating.”
Collinson-Jones’ previous executive producer credits include hit formats for U.K. broadcasters, including “Rich House, Poor House” (Channel 5), “Dinner Date” (ITV...
- 2/15/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Marsha Thomason Joins ‘The Bay’; Season 3 Greenlit
Lost and White Collar actress Marsha Thomason has joined the cast of ITV drama The Bay, as the British broadcaster confirmed it has renewed the drama for a third season. Thomason will join the detective drama as Morecambe Criminal Investigation Department’s new family liaison officer, DS Jenn Townsend, following Morven Christie’s decision to leave the show. DS Townsend is immediately thrown into the deep end when a body is found in the bay on her first day in the job. She must get under the skin of a grieving and complicated family if she has any chance of solving the premature death of an aspiring young boxer. Season 2 of the Tall Story Pictures show has been hitting audiences of up to 7 million for ITV. Written by Daragh Carville, with Furquan Akhtar co-writing Season 3, filming will begin on the new season in the spring,...
Lost and White Collar actress Marsha Thomason has joined the cast of ITV drama The Bay, as the British broadcaster confirmed it has renewed the drama for a third season. Thomason will join the detective drama as Morecambe Criminal Investigation Department’s new family liaison officer, DS Jenn Townsend, following Morven Christie’s decision to leave the show. DS Townsend is immediately thrown into the deep end when a body is found in the bay on her first day in the job. She must get under the skin of a grieving and complicated family if she has any chance of solving the premature death of an aspiring young boxer. Season 2 of the Tall Story Pictures show has been hitting audiences of up to 7 million for ITV. Written by Daragh Carville, with Furquan Akhtar co-writing Season 3, filming will begin on the new season in the spring,...
- 2/15/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
As the recently approved Pfizer/BioNtech Covid-19 vaccine began rolling out in the U.K. this week, the prevailing mood across the film and TV industry was one of cautious optimism. The breakthrough could be, quite literally, the shot in the arm needed to return to pre-covid strength — as long as other government and industry support can bolster any progress.
Adrian Wootton, CEO of national agency the British Film Commission (Bfc), reveals that 85% of production in the country has now restarted. With filming returning to normal levels, the vaccine will be a “significant step” for the screen sector’s full recovery. “It will provide that extra level of security to the rigorous health and safety practices already being implemented across film and TV production to make it Covid-secure,” says Wootton.
The vaccination roll-out — a considerable morale boost for the U.K., where Covid-19 has claimed more than 63,000 lives to date — is already spawning television programming.
Adrian Wootton, CEO of national agency the British Film Commission (Bfc), reveals that 85% of production in the country has now restarted. With filming returning to normal levels, the vaccine will be a “significant step” for the screen sector’s full recovery. “It will provide that extra level of security to the rigorous health and safety practices already being implemented across film and TV production to make it Covid-secure,” says Wootton.
The vaccination roll-out — a considerable morale boost for the U.K., where Covid-19 has claimed more than 63,000 lives to date — is already spawning television programming.
- 12/11/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Argonon, the superindie production group with a presence in London, New York and Los Angeles, is expanding in the branded content realm with the acquisition of U.K.-based video agency Nemorin Film & Video.
Nemorin’s client base includes global brands NBCUniversal, Nat Geo, Hugo Boss, McDonalds, Amazon and American Express.
The acquisition brings Nemorin founder and CEO Pete Fergusson, one of the pioneers in the branded content space, and COO and content director Graham Hayday, a branded content veteran, into the group. The deal was closed for Argonon by COO Laura Bessell.
Argonon CEO James Burstall has identified branded entertainment as a growth market for the group and the acquisition of Nemorin is expected to open new revenue pipelines, including developing and creating original IP, branded content and co-productions which will include collaborations with Argonon’s production companies on both sides of the Atlantic.
“There is a paradigm shift...
Nemorin’s client base includes global brands NBCUniversal, Nat Geo, Hugo Boss, McDonalds, Amazon and American Express.
The acquisition brings Nemorin founder and CEO Pete Fergusson, one of the pioneers in the branded content space, and COO and content director Graham Hayday, a branded content veteran, into the group. The deal was closed for Argonon by COO Laura Bessell.
Argonon CEO James Burstall has identified branded entertainment as a growth market for the group and the acquisition of Nemorin is expected to open new revenue pipelines, including developing and creating original IP, branded content and co-productions which will include collaborations with Argonon’s production companies on both sides of the Atlantic.
“There is a paradigm shift...
- 12/7/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Argonon has announced that it has acquired UK-based video agency Nemorin Film & Video after the production group behind The Masked Singer UK posted a 22% surge in revenue.
Argonon has bought Nemorin as part of a push into branded entertainment, with the company’s clients including Hugo Boss, McDonald’s, and Amazon. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Argonon described Nemorin as one of the UK’s fastest-growing branded content agencies after it was founded in 2014. The company filed abridged earnings for last year, meaning its revenue is likely to be under £10.2M ($13.6M).
Argonon CEO James Burstall said: “The acquisition of Nemorin will power our ambitions in branded entertainment, supercharge our focus in digital growth markets and generate opportunities to both maximise and develop IP.”
The takeover was announced just days after Argonon filed its earnings for 2019. The accounts showed that Argonon’s revenue increased by nearly a...
Argonon has bought Nemorin as part of a push into branded entertainment, with the company’s clients including Hugo Boss, McDonald’s, and Amazon. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Argonon described Nemorin as one of the UK’s fastest-growing branded content agencies after it was founded in 2014. The company filed abridged earnings for last year, meaning its revenue is likely to be under £10.2M ($13.6M).
Argonon CEO James Burstall said: “The acquisition of Nemorin will power our ambitions in branded entertainment, supercharge our focus in digital growth markets and generate opportunities to both maximise and develop IP.”
The takeover was announced just days after Argonon filed its earnings for 2019. The accounts showed that Argonon’s revenue increased by nearly a...
- 12/7/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The U.K. edition of “The Masked Singer” has wrapped filming on season two and is now in post production, Variety can reveal.
Produced by Argonon-backed Bandicoot TV, the hit singing competition debuted on ITV in January and drew a fully consolidated audience of 6.6 million (32% share). Cameras rolled on the show in September at Bovingdon Studios, just outside London.
While there were concerns around how “The Masked Singer” would navigate production during the pandemic, the show is believed to have been among the first entertainment programs allowed to film with a live audience in place post lockdown. The production crossed the finish line just in time, as the U.K. is poised to face a fresh set of Covid-19 restrictions in the coming days, though it’s still unclear to what extent film and TV production will be impacted.
“The Masked Singer” premiered on ITV on Jan. 4 and ran for eight weeks,...
Produced by Argonon-backed Bandicoot TV, the hit singing competition debuted on ITV in January and drew a fully consolidated audience of 6.6 million (32% share). Cameras rolled on the show in September at Bovingdon Studios, just outside London.
While there were concerns around how “The Masked Singer” would navigate production during the pandemic, the show is believed to have been among the first entertainment programs allowed to film with a live audience in place post lockdown. The production crossed the finish line just in time, as the U.K. is poised to face a fresh set of Covid-19 restrictions in the coming days, though it’s still unclear to what extent film and TV production will be impacted.
“The Masked Singer” premiered on ITV on Jan. 4 and ran for eight weeks,...
- 10/12/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
London and New York-headquartered superindie production group Argonon has expanded its U.S. operations with the launch of Argonon USA, gearing up Los Angeles-based West Coast facilities, and making several key appointments.
Lindsay Schwartz joins as chief creative officer for Argonon Group-backed Leopard USA. She was previously with Story Street, part of The Content Group at Asylum Entertainment where she was senior VP of development.
Argonon CEO James Burstall will head the U.S. operation, supported by Leopard USA chief operating officer Shirley Escott in a newly expanded role. Argonon is also appointing a West Coast advisor to open dialogue with production and digital companies as part of an acquisitions strategy.
Lindsay will report into both Burstall and Escott.
Argonon has also announced internal promotions across the Leopard USA team. Corporate controller Matt Widmayer is upped to Leopard USA New York bureau chief and Livvy Clackett becomes executive in charge of production.
Lindsay Schwartz joins as chief creative officer for Argonon Group-backed Leopard USA. She was previously with Story Street, part of The Content Group at Asylum Entertainment where she was senior VP of development.
Argonon CEO James Burstall will head the U.S. operation, supported by Leopard USA chief operating officer Shirley Escott in a newly expanded role. Argonon is also appointing a West Coast advisor to open dialogue with production and digital companies as part of an acquisitions strategy.
Lindsay will report into both Burstall and Escott.
Argonon has also announced internal promotions across the Leopard USA team. Corporate controller Matt Widmayer is upped to Leopard USA New York bureau chief and Livvy Clackett becomes executive in charge of production.
- 8/10/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Argonon, the British production group behind House Hunters International, is launching a new U.S. division, its first West Coast operation and hiring former Dance Moms producer Lindsay Schwartz.
Schwartz, who was most recently SVP, Development at Aslyum Entertainment’s Story Street, joins as Chief Creative Officer for Leopard USA. Schwartz, who spent nine years at Dance Moms producer Collins Avenue, will be based in LA.
Leopard USA is now part of Argonon USA, run by Argonon CEO James Burstall and supported by Leopard USA Chief Operating Officer Shirley Escott. Lindsay will report into both Burstall and Escott.
Separately, the company is appointing a West Coast advisor as it looks to beef up its LA operation.
Argonon, which produces the UK version of The Masked Singer via its Bandicoot label, has also promoted a number of execs the Leopard USA team. Corporate Controller Matt Widmayer is upped to Leopard USA...
Schwartz, who was most recently SVP, Development at Aslyum Entertainment’s Story Street, joins as Chief Creative Officer for Leopard USA. Schwartz, who spent nine years at Dance Moms producer Collins Avenue, will be based in LA.
Leopard USA is now part of Argonon USA, run by Argonon CEO James Burstall and supported by Leopard USA Chief Operating Officer Shirley Escott. Lindsay will report into both Burstall and Escott.
Separately, the company is appointing a West Coast advisor as it looks to beef up its LA operation.
Argonon, which produces the UK version of The Masked Singer via its Bandicoot label, has also promoted a number of execs the Leopard USA team. Corporate Controller Matt Widmayer is upped to Leopard USA...
- 8/10/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Government urged to look at Macron’s ’temporary indemnity’ model.
Pact is urging the British government to adopt France’s model of forging a state-backed fund for film and TV productions that are unable to obtain insurance.
In its latest conversation with the Conservative party, the indie trade body pointed to France’s €54m (£47.3m) Temporary Indemnity Fund – revealed last week by president Emmanuel Macron - as something the UK should ape as producers desperately attempt to get back up and running on their projects.
Pact is leading an industry taskforce on the insurance issue and has identified it as...
Pact is urging the British government to adopt France’s model of forging a state-backed fund for film and TV productions that are unable to obtain insurance.
In its latest conversation with the Conservative party, the indie trade body pointed to France’s €54m (£47.3m) Temporary Indemnity Fund – revealed last week by president Emmanuel Macron - as something the UK should ape as producers desperately attempt to get back up and running on their projects.
Pact is leading an industry taskforce on the insurance issue and has identified it as...
- 5/11/2020
- by 1101315¦Max Goldbart Broadcast¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Wayne Garvie could see the tsunami coming as early as January, but he was still not prepared for the speed with which coronavirus ripped through the TV industry. Sony Pictures Television’s president of international production watched as his colleagues in China were forced into self-isolation. Korea came next and then, before he knew it, the virus had hit the shores of Europe.
It was here that Garvie got his first taste of a major production being swept up in the towering crisis, as Sony and its co-production partners were forced to abandon shooting on their Frank Spotnitz drama Leonardo (pictured above), starring Aidan Turner and Freddie Highmore. “At one stage, we were going to get the sets moved over from Rome to London so we could shoot Freddie. But then — this all happened so quickly — within days it became quite clear that by the time the sets arrived, you...
It was here that Garvie got his first taste of a major production being swept up in the towering crisis, as Sony and its co-production partners were forced to abandon shooting on their Frank Spotnitz drama Leonardo (pictured above), starring Aidan Turner and Freddie Highmore. “At one stage, we were going to get the sets moved over from Rome to London so we could shoot Freddie. But then — this all happened so quickly — within days it became quite clear that by the time the sets arrived, you...
- 5/7/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Fears start to emerge over inability to secure cover against Covid-19-related suspensions post-lockdown.
Pact and leading super-indies have formed a taskforce to tackle production insurance issues as the industry eyes a return to work.
According to Deadline, the John McVay-chaired group is raising concerns with insurers about whether productions will be able to obtain cover against coronavirus-enforced suspensions after strict lockdown measures are lifted.
“Right now, none of the insurers will cover Covid-related problems,” McVay said.
“That’s a scandal, and I’ve been raising the matter with government since the lockdown started. The insurance sector is what will drag back recovery.
Pact and leading super-indies have formed a taskforce to tackle production insurance issues as the industry eyes a return to work.
According to Deadline, the John McVay-chaired group is raising concerns with insurers about whether productions will be able to obtain cover against coronavirus-enforced suspensions after strict lockdown measures are lifted.
“Right now, none of the insurers will cover Covid-related problems,” McVay said.
“That’s a scandal, and I’ve been raising the matter with government since the lockdown started. The insurance sector is what will drag back recovery.
- 4/30/2020
- by 1101315¦Max Goldbart Broadcast¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: “The single biggest obstacle to getting back to work is production insurance,” the head of UK producers group Pact has told us.
Pact chief John McVay has been working with broadcasters and leading production firms as part of the BFI’s coronavirus task force, which was set up in response to the pandemic. McVay is chairing the domestic broadcasters working group, which has identified insurance as a key concern. We understand the group includes leading TV execs such as All3Media COO Sara Geater and Argonon CEO James Burstall.
“How can we even conceive of social distancing protocols if we can’t get insurance?” McVay questioned (yesterday we revealed details of the task force’s production protocols plan), noting that studios and streamers generally operate on a different plane than UK indies when it comes to insurance.
“If you’re a big U.S. studio, you’re big enough to cover that insurance yourself.
Pact chief John McVay has been working with broadcasters and leading production firms as part of the BFI’s coronavirus task force, which was set up in response to the pandemic. McVay is chairing the domestic broadcasters working group, which has identified insurance as a key concern. We understand the group includes leading TV execs such as All3Media COO Sara Geater and Argonon CEO James Burstall.
“How can we even conceive of social distancing protocols if we can’t get insurance?” McVay questioned (yesterday we revealed details of the task force’s production protocols plan), noting that studios and streamers generally operate on a different plane than UK indies when it comes to insurance.
“If you’re a big U.S. studio, you’re big enough to cover that insurance yourself.
- 4/28/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Facebook Watch is set to turn a spotlight on teen dating within Utah’s Mormon community in its latest docuseries, Mormon Love.
The show was produced by Leopard USA, the studio behind Hgtv’s House Hunters International, and will bow Jan. 13 on Watch -- Facebook’s fledgling episodic video hub, which currently counts 75 million daily viewers globally who spend an average of roughly 20 minutes on the platform. Mormon Love will follow four different love stories, Deadline reports, as various members within the Lds Church navigate religion on their quest to finding a soulmate -- with marriage being the end goal.
“We look forward to showing the fascinating true stories of a uniquely vibrant and warm group of young adults," said executive producer James Burstall, "finding their way in a world that’s constantly applying pressure on the devout who care very deeply about their faith, and as a result, want to engage social conversation.
The show was produced by Leopard USA, the studio behind Hgtv’s House Hunters International, and will bow Jan. 13 on Watch -- Facebook’s fledgling episodic video hub, which currently counts 75 million daily viewers globally who spend an average of roughly 20 minutes on the platform. Mormon Love will follow four different love stories, Deadline reports, as various members within the Lds Church navigate religion on their quest to finding a soulmate -- with marriage being the end goal.
“We look forward to showing the fascinating true stories of a uniquely vibrant and warm group of young adults," said executive producer James Burstall, "finding their way in a world that’s constantly applying pressure on the devout who care very deeply about their faith, and as a result, want to engage social conversation.
- 1/4/2019
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Facebook Watch is to explore teen life and dating in a Mormon community in Utah for its latest doc series.
The digital platform has commissioned Mormon Love from House Hunters International producer Leopard USA and is launching the multi-part series on January 13.
The show will look at what it’s like to date within the Lds Church, following four different stories of young Mormon love. Filmed across the summer, the Facebook community will see the stories of Josie, Garrett, Lexi, Jesse and Braxton unfold as they try to navigate growing up, their religion and the search for their soulmates.
Executive Producers are James Burstall, Rick de Oliveira and Jillian Brand. Leopard USA, which also produces Diy Network’s Big Beach Builds, is owned by British production group Argonon.
Burstall, CEO of Leopard USA and Argonon Group said, “This is a significant project for Leopard USA and we’re delighted to...
The digital platform has commissioned Mormon Love from House Hunters International producer Leopard USA and is launching the multi-part series on January 13.
The show will look at what it’s like to date within the Lds Church, following four different stories of young Mormon love. Filmed across the summer, the Facebook community will see the stories of Josie, Garrett, Lexi, Jesse and Braxton unfold as they try to navigate growing up, their religion and the search for their soulmates.
Executive Producers are James Burstall, Rick de Oliveira and Jillian Brand. Leopard USA, which also produces Diy Network’s Big Beach Builds, is owned by British production group Argonon.
Burstall, CEO of Leopard USA and Argonon Group said, “This is a significant project for Leopard USA and we’re delighted to...
- 1/4/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
British production group Argonon has acquired production company Like A Shot Entertainment and expanded its Us team as it looks to grow its international business The firm, run by Cash In The Attic creator James Burstall, has bought Like A Shot, the firm founded by Henry Scott and Steve Gillham and responsible for series including Science Channel U.S.' Abandoned Engineering and Discovery's Witness to War. Like A Shot specialises in international presales, co-production…...
- 1/17/2018
- Deadline TV
A host of UK indies are in China for a China-uk TV summit
A trade mission comprising 22 UK TV indies and Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham is in China for the first ever China-uk TV summit.
UK companies including Shed Media, Zigzag, All3Media, Argonon and Arrow Media will meet with more than 100 Chinese delegates.
The mission includes meetings, presentations and pitches and today’s signing of a memorandum of understanding between Pact and China Central Television, aimed at fostering collaborations on commissions, co-productions and acquisitions.
The MoU will be witnessed by senior Chinese government officials and UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP.
The TV summit follows the first ever China-uk film summit, which took place last week, and precedes a reciprocal UK-China film and TV summit in the UK in September.
Pact chief executive John McVay said of this week’s event: “This landmark television summit...
A trade mission comprising 22 UK TV indies and Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham is in China for the first ever China-uk TV summit.
UK companies including Shed Media, Zigzag, All3Media, Argonon and Arrow Media will meet with more than 100 Chinese delegates.
The mission includes meetings, presentations and pitches and today’s signing of a memorandum of understanding between Pact and China Central Television, aimed at fostering collaborations on commissions, co-productions and acquisitions.
The MoU will be witnessed by senior Chinese government officials and UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP.
The TV summit follows the first ever China-uk film summit, which took place last week, and precedes a reciprocal UK-China film and TV summit in the UK in September.
Pact chief executive John McVay said of this week’s event: “This landmark television summit...
- 4/23/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
As John Hurt reprises his role as the flamboyant raconteur and gay icon, Quentin Crisp, in An Englishman in New York, Ben Walters traces the writer's legacy in the Big Apple
"I don't believe in abroad," John Hurt's Quentin Crisp says towards the end of The Naked Civil Servant, the 1975 Thames Television drama that made Hurt a star and Crisp an icon. Before long, Crisp would revise his opinion: after his new-found fame led to him performing in New York in 1978, he fell in love with the city and, forsaking his self-appointed status as one of the stately homos of England, relocated there in 1981, aged 72. He would remain one of its most celebrated resident aliens for the remaining 18 years of his life.
Now that period is the subject of its own ITV film, An Englishman in New York, which takes its title from the song Sting wrote about Crisp.
"I don't believe in abroad," John Hurt's Quentin Crisp says towards the end of The Naked Civil Servant, the 1975 Thames Television drama that made Hurt a star and Crisp an icon. Before long, Crisp would revise his opinion: after his new-found fame led to him performing in New York in 1978, he fell in love with the city and, forsaking his self-appointed status as one of the stately homos of England, relocated there in 1981, aged 72. He would remain one of its most celebrated resident aliens for the remaining 18 years of his life.
Now that period is the subject of its own ITV film, An Englishman in New York, which takes its title from the song Sting wrote about Crisp.
- 12/9/2009
- by Ben Walters
- The Guardian - Film News
London -- Amid plunging advertising revenue, pink slips by the thousands and an ever-worsening economic outlook, it's little wonder that buyers and sellers heading to Miptv at month's end expect to do business in a radically changed world.
"The credit crunch has forced a revolution in the industry," said James Burstall, CEO of London-based Leopard Films. "The establishment is breaking up, fat cats are being thrown out of their ivory towers. We are having to rethink how we restructure television companies and how we make programming."
Still, he contends that however painful the changes might be, they also promise huge creative and commercial opportunities.
Longer runs of returnable series and cleverly structured commissions can offer broadcasters a better economic equation, Burstall said, citing Leopard's "Missing Live," a 20-part live interactive daytime show on BBC1 that tracks missing persons. It was coupled with the five-part procedural drama series "Missing," which explored...
"The credit crunch has forced a revolution in the industry," said James Burstall, CEO of London-based Leopard Films. "The establishment is breaking up, fat cats are being thrown out of their ivory towers. We are having to rethink how we restructure television companies and how we make programming."
Still, he contends that however painful the changes might be, they also promise huge creative and commercial opportunities.
Longer runs of returnable series and cleverly structured commissions can offer broadcasters a better economic equation, Burstall said, citing Leopard's "Missing Live," a 20-part live interactive daytime show on BBC1 that tracks missing persons. It was coupled with the five-part procedural drama series "Missing," which explored...
- 3/19/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
And here's the rest, including the Midnight Section, all after the break.
Encounters
This collection of engaging and entertaining narrative features and documentaries, a mixture of dark comedies and lighter fare, offers work from returning filmmakers, established talent, and popular subjects, and includes 10 World Premieres. Included in Encounters are performances from Academy Award®-nominated actors Thomas Haden Church, Melissa Leo, Elisabeth Shue; directorial debuts from both Eric Bana and Cheryl Hines (from a screenplay by Adrienne Shelly); stories ranging from an ill-fated man's discovery of inspiration and happiness, dysfunctional families, and unrequited high school crushes to a doc on the emergence of New York’s independent film scene.
• Blank City, directed by Celine Danhier. (USA) - World Premiere, Documentary. Celine Danhier’s kinetic doc mirrors the urgent, anything-goes energy of her subject: the Diy independent film movement that emerged in tandem with punk rock in late ‘70s downtown New York.
Encounters
This collection of engaging and entertaining narrative features and documentaries, a mixture of dark comedies and lighter fare, offers work from returning filmmakers, established talent, and popular subjects, and includes 10 World Premieres. Included in Encounters are performances from Academy Award®-nominated actors Thomas Haden Church, Melissa Leo, Elisabeth Shue; directorial debuts from both Eric Bana and Cheryl Hines (from a screenplay by Adrienne Shelly); stories ranging from an ill-fated man's discovery of inspiration and happiness, dysfunctional families, and unrequited high school crushes to a doc on the emergence of New York’s independent film scene.
• Blank City, directed by Celine Danhier. (USA) - World Premiere, Documentary. Celine Danhier’s kinetic doc mirrors the urgent, anything-goes energy of her subject: the Diy independent film movement that emerged in tandem with punk rock in late ‘70s downtown New York.
- 3/11/2009
- QuietEarth.us
- Apart from the world premiere of Michael Cuesta's Tell-Tale and one more festival screening and chance to shine for Hirokazu Kore-eda's Still Walking, the selections are comprised of unknown projects, New York-based film productions that were completed in the last year, a bunch of films that receive a May theatrical release anyways and a batch of better than average films that were showcased at Sundance. Below you'll find the feature film selections for the Encounters, Spotlight, Showcase, Restored/Rediscovered and Midnight sections. EncountersBlank City, directed by Celine Danhier. (USA) - World Premiere, Documentary. Celine Danhier’s kinetic doc mirrors the urgent, anything-goes energy of her subject: the Diy independent film movement that emerged in tandem with punk rock in late ‘70s downtown New York. New interviews with a impressive array of artists including Amos Poe, Bette Gordon, Debbie Harry, Eric Mitchell, Jim Jarmusch, Lydia Lunch, Steve Buscemi,
- 3/11/2009
- IONCINEMA.com
LONDON -- Veteran British actor John Hurt is to reprise his role as waspish English eccentric Quentin Crisp in a new film for ITV.
An Englishman in New York, made by Leopardrama Prods., picks up where ITV's highly acclaimed 1970s predecessor, The Naked Civil Servant, left off, following the maverick homosexual writer through Manhattan's high society in the eighties, the decade of AIDS and celebrity.
New Yorkers welcome Crisp's wit and eccentric ways and he befriends a young artist who finally persuades him of the possibilities of human relationships. But a casual quip that AIDS was "a fad" sees him cast into social obscurity -- at least until he becomes immortalized in Sting's song An Englishman In New York.
The film will be shot in August in London and New York and will be executive produced by ITV director of drama Laura Mackie and James Burstall of Leopardrama.
An Englishman in New York, made by Leopardrama Prods., picks up where ITV's highly acclaimed 1970s predecessor, The Naked Civil Servant, left off, following the maverick homosexual writer through Manhattan's high society in the eighties, the decade of AIDS and celebrity.
New Yorkers welcome Crisp's wit and eccentric ways and he befriends a young artist who finally persuades him of the possibilities of human relationships. But a casual quip that AIDS was "a fad" sees him cast into social obscurity -- at least until he becomes immortalized in Sting's song An Englishman In New York.
The film will be shot in August in London and New York and will be executive produced by ITV director of drama Laura Mackie and James Burstall of Leopardrama.
- 4/29/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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