Mediawan takes control of See-Saw Films production company

Mediawan has announced its partnership with the UK and Australian-based powerhouse independent production company See-Saw Films through the acquisition of a 51% stake in the company. Working with many of the world’s most celebrated actors, directors and writers, the talent driven and premium content company See-Saw has built a strong track record as a tastemaker, delivering critically acclaimed, multi award-winning and commercially successful TV series and feature films.

See-Saw, one of the largest and most highly regarded premium drama producers in Australia and the UK, was founded in 2008 by Joint CEOs Emile Sherman and Iain Canning, and is renowned for its impressive range of talent relationships and for producing a string of audacious, iconic, and beloved TV and film successes. Recent releases include Netflix chart-topping "Apple Cider Vinegar" and "Heartstopper" season 3, season 4 of Apple TV+ smash hit series "Slow Horses", and Sky’s second-highest-rated drama commission of 2024, "Sweetpea".

See-Saw’s previous landmark series and feature films include "Top of the Lake" created and directed by Jane Campion, "State of the Union" written by Nick Hornby, "The King’s Speech" directed by Tom Hooper, "One Life" starring Anthony Hopkins, "The Power of the Dog" written and directed by Jane Campion, and "Lion" directed by Garth Davis.

The company has produced almost 100 hours of high-end drama and 16 seasons of returning programming for streamers and broadcasters including Apple TV+, Netflix, AMC, BBC, Foxtel, Sky, Starz, and feature films for A24, Amazon Prime, Lionsgate, Netflix, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros. See-Saw has won 13 Emmys, 5 Oscars, 5 Golden Globes, 15 BAFTAs, and 27 AACTAs for television and film productions.

This acquisition reinforces Mediawan’s continued global expansion, and its ambition to cultivate rich and diverse talent and premium productions across all genres and formats. By strengthening its international presence, Mediawan will continue to create powerful stories, build iconic content, and establish renowned franchises for all audiences worldwide.

The strength, expertise, and know-how of See-Saw represent a key asset in confirming Mediawan's position as one of the major players in global independent production worldwide. Mediawan, already present in the market in the UK with Drama Republic ("The English", "The Lovers", "One Day"), Misfits Entertainment ("Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story", "Rising Phoenix", "McQueen") and with animation specialist Wildseed Studios, expands with See-Saw its premium company partners and establishes itself in Australia.

This partnership sets up See-Saw for its ambitious next stage of growth, having enjoyed a record period of creative and commercial success over the last three years with a string of hit global TV shows. It fuels See-Saw’s ability to secure and retain IP, and provides access to Mediawan’s finance and sales capabilities as well as co-production opportunities with Mediawan’s high-quality stable of production companies.

Co-Founders and Joint CEOs Iain Canning and Emile Sherman will continue in their roles, alongside Joint MDs Helen Gregory and Simon Gillis, and Head of TV and Film, Australia Liz Watts. They oversee a team of 8 executive producers and a staff of over 50 people across development, production, legal and business affairs, finance, and marketing.

Pierre-Antoine Capton, Co-founder and CEO of The Mediawan Group and Elisabeth d’Arvieu, CEO of Mediawan Pictures  considered the agreement a milestone to further boost the production of talented content: “We are delighted to welcome See-Saw Films to the Mediawan family. Under Iain and Emile's leadership, See-Saw has become one of the most prestigious, innovative, and critically acclaimed production companies.Through this new partnership, Mediawan reinforces its commitment to bringing together the finest talent behind exceptional and impactful content while providing an even more compelling platform for top creative talent worldwide," expressed.

See-Saw’s Co-Founders and Joint CEOs Iain Canning and Emile Sherman viewed the deal as a bet on the growth vision: “As we celebrate See-Saw's 18th year, we are thrilled to be entering into this partnership with Mediawan, the extraordinary global powerhouse that Pierre-Antoine and his team have created. This union reflects a shared vision for growth, creative excellence, and independence. It will enable us to take our ambitions to new heights and provide us with greater resources for our team and the exceptional talent we work with, as we continue to bring bold, impactful stories to global audiences," commented.