LONDON & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Darren Throop, Chief Executive Officer, Entertainment One (“eOne” or “the Company”), has named Mark Gordon President and Chief Content Officer, Film, Television and Digital. In this newly-created role, Gordon will lead the Company’s creative units. He will continue his producer and creator-friendly philosophy that has been a proven hallmark of The Mark Gordon Company, and will deepen eOne’s network of creative relationships around the world. Additionally, Throop announced that eOne has agreed to acquire (subject to shareholder approval) the remaining 49% of The Mark Gordon Company for US$209 million.
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Mark Gordon (Photo: Business Wire)
Steve Bertram was also today appointed President, Film, Television and Digital. In his new role, Bertram will oversee all commercial and distribution operations. The leadership of Gordon and Bertram will drive the growth of eOne’s content groups and distribution platforms, accelerating its strategy to increase the volume of premium content.
“Mark Gordon is one of the industry’s most accomplished film and television producers with a long track-record of success and commitment to putting talent first. Mark’s leadership over content creation across eOne underscores our vision to be the preeminent platform-agnostic content company in the world,” said Throop. “Today’s transaction signals that we are focused on investing heavily in the best creative talent. This is where Mark shines and what we know he’ll continue to do well into the future with eOne and all of our resources fully behind him.”
“Darren’s commitment to support our vision gives me confidence that we will achieve the quality and volume of premium content on a much broader scale both domestically and internationally,” said Gordon. “Ultimately, it is the creative partnerships with producers, writers, directors and actors that will bring us success. It is our mission to provide them the opportunity to tell great stories and to be financially rewarded for their work.”
“Mark’s unwavering support of creative talent and relentless pursuit of the highest quality content have been the foundation of his success,” added Bertram. “His creative instincts, deep relationships, and unique understanding of the content audiences crave, have supercharged our business over the past three years. I couldn't be more excited to unleash that power across eOne, and to leverage eOne’s global resources to extend Mark’s talent-friendly approach. I can’t wait for us to get started.”
eOne acquired 51% of The Mark Gordon Company in January 2015. Since then, the two companies have successfully collaborated to establish an independent studio, producing and financing film, network, cable, and digital premium content, distributed by eOne around the world. Most recently, under Gordon’s leadership, MGC has produced feature films such as Murder on the Orient Express; the Golden Globe® and Academy Award® nominated Molly’s Game; and the upcoming The Nutcracker and the Four Realms; television hits such as Designated Survivor; new series such as the upcoming The Rookie; and renewals on premium, long-running Gordon-produced series.
John Morayniss, who led eOne’s television business since its inception in 2008, has decided to step down, but will remain with the Company to help facilitate a smooth transition. Under his leadership, eOne established an unparalleled network of global television partnerships, delivered acclaimed scripted and unscripted series and grew its global sales operation to be among the best in the industry. “I want to recognize John, whose focus, innovative deal-making and charismatic leadership of our television business over so many years has helped make us the global force we are today. John’s relationships across the industry resulted in exponential growth across eOne’s television business in Canada and around the globe, and he leaves us with incredible momentum. I’m thankful for his continuing support through the transition,” Throop also said.
About Entertainment One
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a global independent studio that specialises in the development, acquisition, production, financing, distribution and sales of entertainment content. The Company’s diversified expertise spans across film, television and music production and sales, family programming, merchandising and licensing, and digital content. Through its global reach and expansive scale, powered by deep local market knowledge, the Company delivers the best content to the world. Entertainment One’s robust network includes film and television studio The Mark Gordon Company; newly-launched MAKEREADY with Brad Weston; content creation venture Amblin Partners with Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Studios, Participant Media, and Reliance Entertainment; leading feature film production and global sales company Sierra Pictures; unscripted television production company Renegade 83; world-class music labels Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang; and award-winning digital agency Secret Location. The Company’s rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 80,000 hours of film and television content and approximately 40,000 music tracks.
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