RedBird IMI Buys Reality TV Production Company, Adds Jeff Zucker to Board

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As a long-time enthusiast of reality TV and a keen observer of the industry’s dynamics, this news about Efran Films rebranding to Bright North Studios has me utterly thrilled! The strategic moves by RedBird IMI are nothing short of impressive, with their recent acquisition spree that includes All3Media and Media Res. It seems they’re on a mission to conquer the global production landscape, one studio at a time.

The reality TV company, Efran Films, has changed its name to Bright North Studios following the completion of a purchase by RedBird IMI, led by Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale, of the Toronto-based production label. In simpler terms, Efran Films has been renamed as Bright North Studios because Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale’s company, RedBird IMI, bought the Toronto-based production company.

The financial details of the agreement are undisclosed, however, the move is a result of RedBird IMI’s $1.45 billion purchase of All3Media from Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global. This addition expands RedBird IMI’s global production business. Morgan Hertzan, one of the co-founders, has been appointed as CEO of Bright North Studios USA, while Shawn Efran maintains his position as CEO of Bright North Studios Inc.

Previously, RedBird IMI gained ownership in Media Res, the production company responsible for popular Apple TV+ series like “The Morning Show” and “Pachinko,” which was initially established by ex-HBO executive Michael Ellenberg. Subsequently, Canadian authorities sanctioned the acquisition deal.

The revamped studio known as Bright North Studios has created hit reality TV shows such as FBI True on CBS, Never Seen Again for Paramount+, 100 Days to Indy on the CW, Who the Bleep Did I Marry for Investigation Discovery, While the Rest of Us Die for Vice, and PD True again for Paramount+.

Efran had held the position of President, Global Television at Vice Media Group, managing their television operations. Now, with Bright North Studios based in Toronto, RedBird IMI can leverage Canadian tax incentives and currency benefits to create top-tier content for international viewers.

Shawn and Morgan, along with their talented team at Bright North Studios, have become experts at creating genuine stories with exceptional quality. They’ve captured the attention of networks and streaming platforms due to their unique access to key figures and behind-the-scenes looks at newsworthy events. Zucker will be joining them in the boardroom, eager to collaborate and expand Bright North Studios further. According to a statement released by Zucker, ‘The demand for such content is immense, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we work together with Bright North to strengthen their studio and distribution network.’

RedBird IMI investments include the the unscripted production company EverWonder Studios, the kids entertainment company Hidden Pigeon Company and the digital outlet Front Office Sports. RedBird IMI is a joint venture between RedBird Capital Partners, a New York based private equity firm led by Gerry Cardinale, and International Media Investments (IMI), a media company based in Abu Dhabi.

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2024-09-24 19:25