All3Media chief teases scripted M&A moves

All3Media is set to unveil scripted M&A deals with the super-indie’s chief exec “confident we’ve got a narrative to get us to the next stage”. 

Jane Turton said new owner RedBird IMI had been sold on the “platform for growth” offered by the Studio Lambert, Two Brothers Pictures and Raw parent when it completed its £1.2bn acquisition earlier this year and this would be seen in further “additions” across its portfolio. 

“We’ve added considerably in scripted and we’re continuing to do that, the announcements we’ll be making over the next few months may well include quite a few additional scripted units or labels in the company,” she told delegates at Mipcom, during her keynote conversation in Cannes today. 

Turton, who is coming up to a decade in charge of All3, said RedBird IMI saw the “opportunity for growth” based on the IP within the group, as well as “the economics, frankly”. 

“You have to believe [a company acquisition] is a platform for growth, and [the RedBird IMI bosses] believe in the sector and the fact they can grow. The range, that portfolio and breadth of IP was appealing.” 

The chief exec echoed her sentiments from the Financial Times Business of Entertainment Summit fireside chat last month that “good people sell more”, and All3 aims to provide an environment for talent to flourish. She cited the deal forged with Lupin and Hijack creative George Kay, in which he is establishing his own label, Observatory Pictures, and a multi-year exclusive co-production partnership with All3label New Pictures.  

“We try to do deals that bring in irresistible talent,” she said. “We did that deal because we really respect George, but also the quality – and I’m being a bit business-like here – and the commercial success of his shows is obvious. 

“Scripted remains competitive and what you try to do constantly is increase your chance of success by bringing in, adding to, and supporting your existing base.”