UK indie Zig Zag Productions has formed a strategic alliance with Irish production company ShinAwiL ahead of Brexit.

The new initiative will see Zig Zag and ShinAwil join forces to co-develop and co-produce original unscripted formats, both from Zig Zag’s London office and ShinAwiL’s Dublin and Belfast bases. Both companies will continue to operate independently.

Under the reciprocal agreement, Zig Zag will represent all ShinAwiL unscripted formats in the UK, while ShinAwiL will represent all Zig Zag unscripted formats in the Republic of Ireland.

ShinAwiL produces ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (‘Strictly Come Dancing’), ‘The Voice’, ‘MasterChef’, ‘The Apprentice’ and ‘Dragon’s Den’ in Ireland. Set up in 1999 by CEO Larry Bass, the company has recently established a scripted division, led by Head of Drama, Aaron Farrell and Head of International, Mary Callery.

Danny Fenton, CEO of Zig Zag Productions, said: “ShinAwiL’s format development and production expertise across Ireland is second to none. By partnering up with Larry’s team, both our companies will be able to create exceptional creative content and widen our international footprint.”

Larry Bass, CEO of ShinAwiL, said: “Whilst Brexit poses a degree of uncertainty for both the UK and Irish content industries, this exciting new collaboration allows us both to continue building robust, sustainable, international businesses whilst harnessing each other’s creative strengths and local market insight. “

Jon Creamer

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