HomeLatest NewsBlue Ant Media and marblemedia announce...

Blue Ant Media and marblemedia announce merger of production, distribution operations

Blue Ant Media and marblemedia have announced the merger of their respective production and distribution operations into one unified studio and rights business.

The deal sees Blue Ant acquire marblemedia and its international sales operation Distribution360. Former marblemedia co-CEOs Mark Bishop and Matthew Hornburg will helm the combined business, based in Toronto, serving as co-Presidents and reporting to Michael MacMillan, CEO and co-founder, Blue Ant Media.

The combined business, which encompasses the marblemediaBlue Ant Studios, Saloon Media and Look Mom! Productions prodcos, in addition to distributors Distribution360 and Blue Ant International, will form what’s being billed as a “super-charged” studio, spanning scripted comedy and drama, unscripted, formats, factual and premium docs, live action kids/family and animation. 

“marblemedia has long been regarded as one of the most respected production and distribution companies in the unscripted and scripted space, having created huge hits for the biggest streamers and broadcasters in the industry,” said MacMillan, in a company announcement. “With Mark and Matt leading our combined studios and rights business, Blue Ant Media is well positioned in its growth as an international media company with production, rights and an established global channels division all operating at scale.” 

“Building this new merged production and distribution studio will bring together our talented teams who have a shared vision and belief that original content and rich IP are the greatest differentiator,”  added Bishop and Hornburg. “The appetite for premium content remains strong in the global market, and we can better serve this demand with high-quality content and by working with best-in-class collaborators.” 

marblemedia-produced premium original unscripted and scripted series include Netflix series Blown Away and Drink Masters; Race Against the Tide for CBC; and upcoming Hulu and Prime Video teen comedy Davey and Jonesie’s Locker, while recent Blue Ant Media offerings include Canada’s Drag Race (produced with World of Wonder for Bell Media/Crave), Kids in the Hall: Comedy Punks (Prime Video), and Gary and His Demons (Prime Video, Amazon FreeVee). More than 5,000 hours of Blue Ant International content will be combined with Distribution360’s 2,000-hour sales library.

Sam Sniderman, who formerly held the title of Co-President, Content Production at Blue Ant Media, will serve as Chief Commercial Officer, working closely with Michael MacMillan and CFO, Robb Chase on business development, partnerships and M&A. Laura Michalchyshyn, who shared the Co-President, Content role with Sniderman, will continue as Chief Creative Officer, nurturing and attracting talent for the company’s overall business. Beach House Pictures, Blue Ant’s Asian-based prodco, will continue to operate independently out of Singapore.


Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 30 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.

* indicates required

 

SUBSCRIBE NOW - IT'S FREE!

At Broadcast Dialogue®, we are committed to delivering industry-leading insights, news, and analysis directly to your inbox—completely free of charge.

By providing full / accurate information, you are helping us sustain Broadcast Dialogue® as a free resource. In return, we commit to delivering high-quality content that keeps you informed on the latest trends, technology, and news shaping the broadcast landscape—at no cost to you.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue® is delivered exclusively to our subscribers by email every Thursday.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Your Subscription Information

Your Name
Your Email Address
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.

Your Company Information

A Couple Of Questions

Do you consider yourself retired?
Are you seeking employment opportunities?

Connie Thiessen
Connie Thiessenhttps://broadcastdialogue.com
Connie has worked coast-to-coast as a reporter, editor, anchor and host at CKNW and News 1130 in Vancouver, News 95.7 and CBC in Halifax, and CFCW Edmonton, among other stations. With a passion for music, film and community service, she led News 95.7 to a 2013 Atlantic Journalism Award and regional RTDNA award for Best Radio Newscast. More recently, she was nominated for Music Journalist of the Year at Canadian Music Week 2019. To report a typo or error please email - corrections@broadcastdialogue.com

Latest News

Veteran broadcaster Doc Harris signs off

Longtime broadcaster Doc Harris, who had a radio career spanning five decades, has passed away at age 76. Harris passed away in Vancouver General Hospital...

RTDNA Canada announces Regional Lifetime Achievement Award recipients

RTDNA Canada has announced its 2024 Regional Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service and continued excellence...

Events / Conferences