Canadian publicly listed content company, KEW Media Group Inc, has purchased a stake in newly formed production company Two Rivers Media which is based in Scotland.
KEW invests in Two Rivers Media alongside Scotland’s Noble Grossart and the UK’s Channel 4 with KEW having the option to acquire a controlling stake in the company.
Two Rivers Media was formed by Alan Clements, a television executive with over twenty years of experience in the production and distribution of content and ex-Head of Content at STV.
Two Rivers Media will produce a diverse slate of content including factual, daytime series and features, entertainment shows and scripted. Mick McAvoy, former head of Documentaries and Factual at STV Production, will head Two Rivers’ factual business, and the company is currently recruiting in other genres,
Steven Silver, KEW MEDIA Founder and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “KEW’s interest in Two Rivers Media demonstrates the continued expansion of our international footprint, as well as our commitment to a broad range of content created by some of the best talent in our industry. We’ve found incredible creative and business partners in Alan Clements, Noble Grossart, and Channel 4.”
Alan Clements, CEO of Two Rivers Media, said, “I am delighted to be launching Two Rivers Media, especially with the backing of three such blue-chip investors, Companies have launched with an international backer, an expert finance team or Channel 4 but never with all three. We share an exciting vision for our production company that is proudly Scottish, but also focused on the UK and international markets.”
Sir Angus Grossart of Noble Grossart, said, “We are delighted to be a part of this very strong partnership, and to work with proven talent of high quality.”
Jonathan Allan, Chief Commercial Officer of Channel 4, stated, “We are thrilled for the Indie Growth Fund to become a part of the Two Rivers Media story. As we prepare to open new creative hubs in Glasgow and Bristol, and a new national headquarters in Leeds, this investment is a further example of Channel 4’s commitment to nurturing and supporting the creative industries in the nations and regions. Alan’s reputation in the industry is second to none, and I am looking forward to seeing the shows that he creates.”
Andrew Ewing, corporate finance partner at Johnston Carmichael, which is Scotland’s largest independent accountancy and business advisory firm, said: “Alan Clements is a highly respected broadcast executive who has forged a formidable career in the television industry. We wish him well with his new venture and look forward to seeing the exciting new output it creates.”
These investments follow the recent announcement of Two Rivers’ first commission, Children of the Devolution, from BBC Scotland. The documentary series will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Scottish parliament, as broadcaster Allan Little speaks with people across the country between the ages of 20 and 60, whose lives were shaped by this revolutionary change.
Two Rivers Media was assisted by Scottish accountancy practice Johnston Carmichael to create their business plan, financial projections and fundraising.
Andrew Ewing,
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