UK arm of Hollywood studio takes 25% stake in children’s TV show producer.
London-based children’s TV show producer, Kindle Entertainment is set for expansion following investment from Lionsgate.
The UK arm of the Hollywood studio has taken a 25% stake in the company, marking the first time it has taken equity in the TV business.
Kindle was founded by Anne Brogan and Melanie Stokes eight years ago. It produces children’s shows including Hank Zipzer, Dixi and Dinopaws.
It also enjoyed huge success with preschool show Big and Small, which ran between 2008 and 2011 on CBeebies.
Brogan and Stokes said in a statement: “We are delighted as this partnership helps realise our ambitions to grow the company’s primetime comedy and drama portfolio.
“Sharing a combined passion for storytelling that delights, excites and provokes, Kindle Entertainment is keen to utilise Lionsgate’s superlative skills in creating hit shows for the international audience.”
“We’re thrilled to be in business with the incredibly talented team at Kindle Entertainment and excited to explore new creative opportunities together as we begin to build our Lionsgate television brand in the UK and look to replicate the success of our film business,” said Zygi Kamasa, CEO of Lionsgate’s European office and the head of Lionsgate UK.
“Our new strategic partnership broadens and deepens our support of British filmed entertainment, continues the diversification of our business and capitalises on the momentum already established by Lionsgate’s growing worldwide television operations.”