ITV Studios Snatches Majority Stake in ‘The Gentlemen’ Producer Moonage Pictures
Gather around, dear readers, for a delightful tale of corporate intrigue and creative ambition that would make even Shakespeare raise an eyebrow—if only he had access to streaming platforms. ITV Studios has strutted onto the scene, proudly announcing its acquisition of a majority stake in Moonage Pictures, a rising star in the U.K.’s independent production universe. This acquisition follows the exit of BBC Studios, who has decided to pass the baton but will still handle distribution for some of Moonage’s returning favorites. The company, launched in 2018 by the talented trio of Will Gould, Matthew Read, and Frith Tiplady, is already responsible for a dazzling array of productions, including the smash hit ‘The Gentlemen’ and the engaging ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.’
You might be wondering what makes Moonage Pictures so irresistible. Well, let’s break it down: ‘The Gentlemen,’ directed by Guy Ritchie, catapulted to Netflix’s top slot and became one of 2024’s most-watched shows. Meanwhile, ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ managed to charm its way onto the global top-10 list on the same platform. Clearly, the viewers are enamored, and now ITV wants a piece of that action. As ITV Studios’ managing director Julian Bellamy said, the Moonage team has crafted a formidable lineup of first-class shows, and they’re ready to take their creativity to new heights under the ITV umbrella.
But wait, there’s more! Moonage is not just resting on its laurels; they’re already hard at work on new seasons for their hit series and even have adaptations like ‘The Leopard’ in the pipeline. This strategic move is part of ITV’s grand vision to expand its international content footprint, a step that mirrors similar acquisitions in recent years, such as those of Eagle Eye Drama and Hartswood Films.
As Frith Tiplady reflects on this new partnership, one can’t help but feel the thrill of potential collaborations that will undoubtedly push the boundaries of storytelling. So, keep your eyes peeled, folks; exciting times are ahead in the world of high-end drama, and it looks like ITV is ready to lead the charge.
Class dismissed, but don’t forget to binge-watch those shows.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and The Hollywood Reporter, ITV Studios Press Releases
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
