The Auspicious Group has acquired Cannes Grand Prix winning film production company, Nowadays.

It is the Auspicious Group’s fourth acquisition since it was launched in October 2024 by Media Zoo founders Rachel Pendered and Mark Killick and Casual Films founder, Barnaby Cook.

Nowadays, last year’s Cannes Grand Prix winner, is led by founders Thom Wood (Managing Director) and Guy Saville (Creative Director) and counts Schroders as one of its key clients on its partner roster, which also includes BaByliss, the international hair styling brand, Red Bull, NSPCC, HSBC, Samaritans, Cuisinart, Dementia UK and the Scouts.

Nowadays won the Grand Prix, the White Dolphin for best film at Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards 2024, for ‘Waiting List’.

Thom Wood said, “We’ve been looking for the right partner for a while, and Auspicious is exactly that. They can open doors we can’t reach, letting us build on the work and deepen the reputation we’ve already earned. Our mantra is simple: emotionally intelligent film- making isn’t just possible, it’s powerful and Auspicious totally get that. They’re ambitious, future-focussed, and led by people we trust. This is where the spirit of Nowadays meets scale and ambition, and we can’t wait to get cracking.”

With this addition, Auspicious Group revenue is approaching £10 million across its five businesses – Auspicious Global (corporate film and communications), Blue Chalk Media (non- fiction television production company), Studio Yes (advertising and commercial production), DBLX (digital transformation and experience) and as of today, Nowadays.

Rachel Pendered, Auspicious Co-CEO says, “We are thrilled to bring Nowadays into the Auspicious Group. We are focused on ensuring that we have a first class offer that helps our clients succeed in ever disrupted world. Thom, Guy and their team and have the talent and client base to deliver this from finance to pharma.”

Barnaby Cook, Auspicious Co-CEO, adds, “Bringing Nowadays into the Auspicious Group is an exciting way to cap off our first year of operation. I’ve known Thom and Guy since University and have always admired their work – they’re extremely talented filmmakers, proven by the Grand Prix win at Cannes.”