Fremantle confirmed that it had taken a majority stake investment in one of Asia's largest independent TV and film production companies, Beach House Pictures, based in Singapore. The acquisition is part of their strategic growth plans to invest in and partner with premium production companies.
BHP specializes in creating and co-financing original IP across non-scripted content, scripted entertainment, and brand-funded programming for all major regional and international platforms. Additionally, the company is currently in production on the IMAX documentary feature "The Elephant Odyssey," the car culture series "The Ride Life" led by Sung Kang (Fast and Furious) for Insight TV, and the wildlife meets survival documentary series "Survival of the Beast' for Love Nature."
Jennifer Mullin, Group CEO of Fremantle, commented: "Fremantle invests in and works with the best creatives in the industry, and Jocelyn, Donovan, and the team at Beach House Pictures are exactly that. Their taste and approach to storytelling is inspirational. Asia is a dynamic market, and one we have targeted for strategic growth, and I am proud we have found a wonderful partner in Beach House Pictures to be part of our family."
Ganesh Rajaram, CEO of Asia and Latam, Fremantle, added: "We have been looking for the right partner in Asia to expand our output and footprint, and I can think of no one better than Jocelyn, Donovan, and the entire team at Beach House Pictures. They are a true powerhouse, with great synergies to our business, and we are lucky to welcome them into the Fremantle family," he said.
As part of the transaction, Blue Ant Media has sold its stake in Beach House Pictures. "Donovan Chan, Jocelyn Little, and the team at Beach House Pictures have been great colleagues and collaborators for many years now. We wish them well on their next chapter with Fremantle, which we are certain will be a great success," said Sam Sniderman, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Ant Media.
The investment in Beach House Pictures follows several acquisitions and step-ups made by Fremantle in 2023 and 2022, including Belgium-based A Team Productions (Baghdad Messi, Land of the Heroes), UK production company Dancing Ledge Productions (The Responder, Big Mood), scripted Italian production company Lux Vide (Devils, Leonardo), international development and production company Fabel (Bosch), Australian-American television production company Eureka Productions (Parental Guidance, Finding Magic Mike), Irish production company Element Pictures (Normal People, Poor Things), 72 Films (All or Nothing: Arsenal, 9/11: One Day in America), Wildstar Films (America The Beautiful, Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory) and Silvio Productions (Shadow of Truth, The Baby Daddy, Buried).