Media
Granada America, the US production arm of ITV, has taken a 10% stake in digital studio Electric Farm Entertainment for $2m.
The investment also carries an option for ITV to acquire a controlling stake later in the year, and is the latest of a series of moves for the broadcaster in America. Last month, it signed a "revolutionary" production deal with Fox to share formats and series development projects.
On Electric Farm's production roster at present are two online projects: Gemini Division, starring Rent alum Rosario Dawson as an NYPD detective investigating the murder of her fiance; and Woke Up Dead, a zombie comedy with Napoleon Dynamite's Jon Heder appearing in the lead role.
"I'm attracted to this company because they are specialising in scripted direct-to-internet programming that is economically produced but creatively engaging," said ITV Global Content director Lee Bartlett. "These projects have worldwide appeal to audiences and advertisers alike with the potential to grow on to other platforms including TV."
The investment also carries an option for ITV to acquire a controlling stake later in the year, and is the latest of a series of moves for the broadcaster in America. Last month, it signed a "revolutionary" production deal with Fox to share formats and series development projects.
On Electric Farm's production roster at present are two online projects: Gemini Division, starring Rent alum Rosario Dawson as an NYPD detective investigating the murder of her fiance; and Woke Up Dead, a zombie comedy with Napoleon Dynamite's Jon Heder appearing in the lead role.
"I'm attracted to this company because they are specialising in scripted direct-to-internet programming that is economically produced but creatively engaging," said ITV Global Content director Lee Bartlett. "These projects have worldwide appeal to audiences and advertisers alike with the potential to grow on to other platforms including TV."
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