FremantleMedia is investing in Label1, the indie behind hit series The Job Interview for Channel 4 and Hospital for BBC Two.
The global production and distribution outfit will take a 25% stake in the factual producer.
Label1 is led by co-founders Simon Dickson (Creative Director) and Lorraine Charker-Phillips (Director of Programmes), alongside Head of Production Jo Taylor.
Specialising in popular, big-scale factual television, the company was founded in April 2015 under ITV Studios’ in-house production arm Shiver, before establishing itself as an indie earlier this year.
Label1 recently announced the commission of six-part series School for BBC Two and are in funded development on a number of new projects for UK broadcasters.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia Group, said, “Simon, Lorraine and Jo have been behind some of the most talked-about and eye-catching factual programmes of recent years, and together they have helped build Label1 into one of the UK’s most dynamic and disruptive indies. Through our new partnership, we look forward to working with Label1, supporting their ambitious plans for growth, and strengthening Fremantle’s commitment to high-quality factual content.”
Dickson said: “Choosing an investment partner is an important decision but FremantleMedia made it easy for us. We were impressed by their global ambition and by the personalities and skills of the individuals in their management team. They made a compelling case for how we could bring something new and distinctive to their mix. Most importantly, they like how Lorraine, Jo and I approach our work, and the types of programmes we’re creating. We’re delighted to have them on board for the next stage of our journey.”
Lorraine Charker-Phillips said: “The next few months are going to be exciting ones for everyone at Label1. We’ve just started production on School for BBC Two, which under the terms of our new partnership with FremantleMedia will be the first of our series they will distribute globally. Added to that, we are on the lookout for a brilliant Head of Development who will oversee our pipeline of new and returning series. With FremantleMedia’s support, we’re looking forward to realising the aspirations in our business plan, by making more great shows for the most dynamic and collaborative broadcasters.”
FremantleMedia’s portfolio of investments in creative talent spans scripted, entertainment and factual businesses around the world. It includes Easy Tiger, Bend It TV, Duck Soup, Abot Hameiri, Naked Entertainment, Man Alive Entertainment, Full Fat TV, Corona Pictures, Dr Pluto, Dancing Ledge, Wild Blue Media, Eureka, No Pictures Please, Fontaram, Kwai, Wildside, 495 Productions and Miso Film.
Staff Reporter
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