BBC Worldwide has taken a minority stake in 72 Films, the new indie launched by Channel 4’s former head of specialist factual David Glover and Dragonfly’s joint MD Mark Raphael.
BBC Worldwide has taken a 15% shareholding in the indie and in return will receive global distribution rights to all programming developed by the fledgling company.
C4’s Specialist Factual division generated hits such as Gogglebox, Inside Nature’s Giants, The Plane Crash, and the Live From Space season during Glover’s time at the broadcaster.
Raphael, who was previously a Channel 4 commissioner before becoming MD of Shine Endemol group’s Dragonfly TV, presided over hits like The Murder Trial, Bedlam and Educating Essex – and at Dragonfly worked on One Born Every Minute and Inside Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
David Glover, 72 Films, commented: “We think the most interesting and successful shows are the ones that don’t fit into the traditionally accepted TV genres. In some ways that makes the process of getting them off the ground a bit more challenging but it’s ultimately much more stimulating to work that way. We’re very excited about this.”
Helen Jackson, BBC Worldwide’s Chief Content Officer, says: “David and Mark’s extraordinary pedigree in delivering innovative landmark TV will only further enhance BBC Worldwide’s high-end factual pipeline. We’re excited to see what 72 Films delivers over the next few years. Our focus is on working with like–minded companies to whom our values, credentials and expertise are important – and we’ve been targeting a specific set of talented people who represent the absolute pinnacle of UK creativity."
BBC Worldwide indies has invested in indies including Red Planet and Tessa Ross’ House Productions.
Staff Reporter
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