Banijay invests in Rabbit Track

Banijay UK is investing in Rabbit Track Pictures, the London based TV & Film production company co-founded by film, TV and stage actor James Norton and scripted executive Kitty Kaletsky.

Rabbit Track Pictures launched in 2019 and has a slate that includes major scripted projects green lit for the BBC and for ITVX, alongside developments across film and TV. Its first film, Rogue Agent, a thriller for Netflix starring Norton, was released in 2022.

By taking a stake in the business, via the Banijay UK Growth Fund, Banijay UK will enable Rabbit Track Pictures to build its team and accelerate its growth strategy, ensuring it can continue to acquire IP.

The deal includes a first look with distributor, Banijay Rights.

The investment is part of the Banijay UK £50m Banijay UK Growth Fund which allows the UK group to partner in high profile talent as well as investing in new businesses, to supercharge growth.

Patrick Holland, ceo and executive chair of Banijay UK said; “James and Kitty have a truly impressive slate of projects and are incredibly ambitious for the growth of their business. We are so delighted that they have chosen Banijay UK as their partner; their passion, commitment, talent and belief are exactly the qualities we want to invest in. We can’t wait to start working together.”

James Norton said; “To be joining the Banijay family is such an exciting moment for us as a company. Patrick and his team have been incredibly welcoming and supportive already, and clearly share mine and Kitty’s values and ambition for the company. We can’t wait to jump into the rabbit hole with them and see where the next step of this adventure takes us!”

Kitty Kaletsky added; “When James first called me about running a company together, I was still fully living and working in Los Angeles. Little could we have imagined, when kick-starting Rabbit Track right before the pandemic, that just a few short years later, we’d be teaming up with such a huge and exciting partner as Banijay. We feel very lucky to be part of this family which will take our success to new levels and can’t wait to get going with Patrick and the whole group.”

Norton’s recent TV projects include Happy Valley (BBC/Netflix), McMafia (BBC/AMC), The Trial of Christine Keeler (BBC) and War and Peace (BBC). Film credits include Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, Mr Jones directed by Agnieszka Holland, and Paramount’s upcoming Bob Marley biopic directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green.

Kitty Kaletsky has worked in senior roles at leading TV and film production companies on both sides of the Atlantic including Archery Pictures and Black Bear Pictures, having started her career at Number 9 Films. She lived for four years in LA, running Oscar-winning Black Bear’s TV department, and as a result has strong relationships both in the UK and Hollywood. Kitty is Managing Director of Rabbit Track Pictures and is responsible for running all creative and business aspects of the company.

This is the seventh Growth Fund deal to be announced since it was launched in February 2023. Previous talent deals include a first look with scripted producer, Chris Sussman and a multi project deal with Scottish documentary director and producer Kevin Macdonald. The fund has also facilitated the acquisition of Mam Tor productions and investments in new scripted company Conker Pictures and North Wales based start-up, Ty’r Ddraig. It has also enabled DSP to grow the business launching DSP Films headed by Graeme McAulay to focus on premium documentaries.

Great Point helped launch Rabbit Track, along with fellow founding partner The Development Partnership, by providing seed investment via its Great Point Ventures EIS fund. Both Great Point Media and The Development Partnership remain shareholders in the company. Robert Taylor will remain a director at Rabbit Track Pictures.