Key Takeaways
- Fremantle is closing the production arm of Wag Entertainment, a British documentary producer, as part of its strategic planning related to Asacha Media Group.
- The closure will result in the departure of Managing Director Steven Green and several other key staff members, including co-founder Eliya Arman and creative director Bridget Boseley.
- Wag Entertainment’s distribution arm will remain operational, and the company’s intellectual property will stay with Fremantle.
- The production arm’s closure is part of Fremantle’s ongoing review of its assets following its acquisition of Asacha Media Group in 2024.
Introduction to the Closure
Fremantle, a global television production and distribution company, has announced the closure of the production arm of Wag Entertainment, a British documentary producer. This move comes as part of Fremantle’s ongoing strategic planning related to Asacha Media Group, which it acquired last year. The closure will result in the departure of Managing Director Steven Green, who has been with the company for 26 years, as well as several other key staff members, including co-founder Eliya Arman, creative director Bridget Boseley, production boss Kate Gibbard, and production manager Kelly Hood.
Background on Wag Entertainment
Wag Entertainment has been a prolific British documentary producer for nearly 30 years, with a wide range of credits to its name. Some of its notable productions include Science Channel’s What On Earth?, Paramount+’s Don’t Date Brandon, Prime Video’s Murderer Behind the Mask, and Netflix-Paramount+’s Don’t Pick up the Phone. The company has also produced Secrets of the Conclave, which is set to air on the BBC in the coming weeks. Wag Entertainment was acquired by Asacha Media Group in 2021, and since then, the company has undergone significant changes, including the departure of its founder, Martin Durkin, and his replacement by Steven Green.
The Acquisition of Asacha Media Group
Fremantle acquired Asacha Media Group in 2024, as part of its efforts to expand its global reach and increase its production capabilities. Asacha Media Group is a production company that owns several other production companies, including Red Planet Pictures, Arrow, and SRAB. Fremantle’s acquisition of Asacha Media Group was a significant move, with the company spending over €200 million ($234 million) on the deal. Since the acquisition, Fremantle has been reviewing its assets and making strategic decisions about the future of its production companies.
Reaction to the Closure
The closure of Wag Entertainment’s production arm has been met with a mix of sadness and appreciation for the company’s achievements. Steven Green, the Managing Director of Wag Entertainment, said that the team "leaves on a high" after making projects for Amazon, Paramount+, and several British broadcasters over the past year. He also expressed his gratitude to the many talented people who have worked with the company over the years. Amelia Brown, the CEO of Fremantle UK, also praised the team at Wag Entertainment, saying that they have made "great contributions" to Fremantle since its acquisition of Asacha Media Group.
Future Plans
The closure of Wag Entertainment’s production arm is part of Fremantle’s ongoing strategic planning related to Asacha Media Group. The company is reviewing its assets and making decisions about the future of its production companies. While the production arm of Wag Entertainment is closing, the company’s distribution arm will remain operational, and its intellectual property will stay with Fremantle. The future of the company’s staff members who are leaving is uncertain, but they are expected to go on to work on other projects in the television production industry.
Conclusion
The closure of Wag Entertainment’s production arm is a significant development in the television production industry. The company has been a prolific producer of documentaries over the years, and its closure will be felt by many in the industry. However, the decision is part of Fremantle’s ongoing strategic planning related to Asacha Media Group, and the company is confident that it will continue to produce high-quality content in the future. The departure of Steven Green and other key staff members is a significant loss, but they are expected to go on to work on other projects in the industry. As the television production industry continues to evolve, companies like Fremantle must make tough decisions to stay ahead of the curve and continue to produce content that audiences want to watch.
