AMC NETWORKS AND SHAFTESBURY EXPAND ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

AMC Networks and Shaftesbury, announced a new strategic partnership through which AMC will invest to gain access to Shaftesbury’s  slate and expand its content presence in Canada. “This new partnership will leverage the broad expertise of AMC Networks and Shaftesbury to deliver significant growth opportunities for the development, production, distribution, and reach of our content,” said Christina Jennings, CEO, and Chairman, Shaftesbury.

The new partnership will create growth for Shaftesbury’s existing and future slate of content across all genres and create more opportunities for Canadian creators. Through its exisitng production partnership with AMC, Shaftesbury is credited for some of the biggest titles on Acorn TV, including all 14 seasons of “Murdoch Mysteries.”  “Getting Canadian stories and creative talent in front of the international market has always been Shaftesbury’s mission – this relationship will give us a big leg up,” Jennings said.

 In addition to Acorn TV, AMC Networks operates the entertainment brands AMC, SundanceTV, BBC America, and the fast-growing streaming services AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now, and ALLBLK. “Shaftesbury is an ideal partner for AMC Networks as we expand our focus on sourcing premium content and IP for distribution across our own platforms as well as to third parties,” Sapan said. “In addition, this partnership will give AMC Networks enhanced capabilities to expand our productions in Canada.”

Shaftesbury CEO and Chairman Christina Jennings will continue to lead the creative center of the company and lead the day-to-day operations with Executive Vice President, Scott Garvie.  Jennings, Garvie, and Shaftesbury board member Michael Levine will remain on Shaftesbury’s Board of Directors. Two new AMC Networks directors will work alongisde them, Harold Gronenthal, EVP of Programming and Marketing for AMC Networks International, and Matt Graham, GM of the AMC Networks-owned Acorn TV streaming service. RBC Capital Markets served as strategic investment advisers for the company.“Christina has built a world-class production company with a long track record and reputation for creating high-quality content that resonates in markets around the world,” said Josh Sapan, AMC Networks President, and CEO.