Reality TV producer Efran Films has rebranded as Bright North Studios after Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird IMI closed an acquisition of the Toronto-based production banner.Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition follows RedBird IMI paying $1.45 billion to acquire the British TV and film production powerhouse All3Media from Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global. Adding to its global production business, RedBird IMI has named co-founder Morgan Hertzan as CEO of Bright North Studios USA, while Shawn Efran continues as CEO of Bright North Studios Inc.Canadian regulators approved the takeover deal. In an earlier move, RedBird IMI acquired a stake in Media Res, the studio behind the Apple TV+ shows The Morning Show and Pachinko, founded by former HBO executive Michael Ellenberg.The renamed Bright North Studios has produced reality TV series like FBI True (CBS), Never Seen Again (Paramount+), 100 Days to Indy (CW), Who the Bleep Did I Marry (Investigation Discovery), While the Rest of Us Die (Vice) and PD True (Paramount+).Hertzan was most recently president, global TV at Vice Media Group, where he oversaw the company’s TV operations. Bright North Studios, from its Toronto base, will allow RedBird IMI to tap Canadian tax credits and currency savings to produce premium content for global audiences.Zucker will join the boardroom at Bright North Studios. “There is an incredible demand from networks and streaming platforms for content that offers unparalleled access to key figures and takes viewers behind the scenes of newsworthy events. Shawn, Morgan and their team have mastered the art of telling authentic stories with unrivaled quality. We look forward to working with Bright North to continue to grow their studio and distribution network,” Zucker said in a statement.RedBird IMI investments include the the unscripted production company EverWonder Studios, the kids entertainment company Hidden Pigeon Company and the digital outlet Front Office Sports. RedBird IMI is a joint venture between RedBird Capital Partners, a New York based private equity firm led by Gerry Cardinale, and International Media Investments (IMI), a media company based in Abu Dhabi.
© 2024 The Hollywood Reporter.