THE INK FACTORY AND ENDEAVOR CONTENT ENTER STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Endeavor Content Acquires Strategic Stake in Studio Known for “The Night Manager,” "Fighting with My Family"
Scripted Development Fund Set Up as The Ink Factory Aims to Grow US Market Presence
London and Los Angeles, 18 February 2020 – Award-winning London and LA-based independent studio The Ink Factory (“The Night Manager”, "Fighting with My Family", “The Little Drummer Girl”) and Endeavor Content, the content financing, development and sales division of Endeavor, today announced a partnership which will see Endeavor Content acquire a minority stake in the studio, and set up a bespoke development fund for Ink to draw on. The deal also sees the parties establish an alliance that will specifically address the US TV market with high-end premium TV series tackling themes of contemporary global relevance, developed out of Ink’s LA base. As part of the deal, Endeavor Content will have a formal first-look agreement covering both film and TV to sell forthcoming Ink Factory projects internationally.
The partnership marks a step up in the long-running relationship between the two companies, cemented by Endeavor Content’s investment of both equity and development funding into Ink across US and international projects. The two companies have also made a commitment to collaborate in new areas such as podcasts and other digital projects. Following completion of the deal, Chris Rice, co-president of Endeavor Content, will take a seat on The Ink Factory’s board.
Graham Taylor and Chris Rice, Co-Presidents of Endeavor Content said: “Telling global stories to a worldwide audience is the essence of Endeavor Content, and The Ink Factory is uniquely positioned to create content that does just that. We are excited for this next chapter of continued growth together and look forward to what’s to come.”
Simon and Stephen Cornwell, co-CEOs and Founders at The Ink Factory, added:
“Today marks a big moment in The Ink Factory’s progress. This partnership with Endeavor Content will help us accelerate our growth as an independent studio and will significantly enhance our US market presence. We look forward to building on the fruitful collaboration we have had with Endeavor Content since their inception as our sales partner on ‘The Night Manager,’ and we are excited to enter the new decade with Chris, Graham and their brilliant team at our sides.”
Since its formation in 2010, The Ink Factory’s output across film and television has gained strong traction with audiences and critics alike. Its television series (“The Night Manager” and “The Little Drummer Girl”) have been seen in 180 countries by more than 40 million viewers, while it has enjoyed both box office and streamer success with films such as Fighting with My Family, A Most Wanted Man, and Message from the King. In addition, The Ink Factory’s partner games studio Giant Squid created the acclaimed narrative game, ABZÛ, and their latest game, The Pathless, will launch in 2020 with Apple Arcade and Epic Games.
The deal was negotiated by Rod Henwood, Chief Strategy Officer, for The Ink Factory, and Tim Robinson, Chief Operating Officer, for Endeavor Content. Raine acted as financial advisors to The Ink Factory on the transaction and Wiggin served as lawyers on the deal.
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