Fremantle announced plans to further expand into the scripted space with a global agreement and an equity investment deal in the production company The Immigrant. The deal marks Fremantle’s first major equity investment in the Latinx and Hispanic scripted market. Bron Ventures, the venture arm of Bron Media Corp., will also invest in The Immigrant acquiring a minority stake in the company.
Fremantle has acquired a 25% stake of the producer, with a plan to grow equity participation in the next years. The Immigrant is based in Los Angeles, with offices in Mexico and Spain. A new office is opening in Colombia in 2020 with further Latin America expansion planned.
Established in 2019, The Immigrant, co-founded by Camila Jimenez and Silvana Aguirre, produces premium dramas that focus on Hispanic and Latinx content in the US and abroad. They have secured a new full commission, with further details to be announced, and have multiple projects in active development including a co-production with Fremantle’s Wildside, with Lucia Puenzo attached as the showrunner.
“Over the past several years Silvana and I have been working to change the paradigm around Latinx television focusing on creative talent, both established and emerging, and stories that connect with the audience, regardless of where they take place”, Camila Jimenez said. “We are very excited about this partnership. Fremantle’s established brand, international footprint and strong network of creative outlets, coupled with Bron’s bold support of creators, perfectly align with our strategic vision. Together we will build on our initial success and transform The Immigrant into an IP and international production powerhouse”.
Meanwhile, Andrea Scrosati, COO of Fremantle, added: “Camila and Silvana are exactly the type of talent that Fremantle was born to be home to. Their unique multicultural approach to storytelling is very impressive, and it is an approach we believe is incredibly relevant in the times that we are living in. Our partnership with The Immigrant marks our first equity investment in Latin America, a vibrant region in terms of creativity, culture, and commercial potential, and confirms our commitment to continue to invest in this area. We welcome The Immigrant to the Fremantle family”.