All3Media’s vision and growth explored at Mipcom Cannes

All3Media’s Vision and Growth Explored at Mipcom Cannes

CANNES, France — At the 40th edition of Mipcom, one of the television industry’s most prestigious events held annually in Cannes, Jane Turton, CEO of All3Media, delivered a highly anticipated keynote address on October 21. During a fireside chat with Variety’s co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton, Turton delved into the factors influencing the $1.45 billion acquisition of All3Media by Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird IMI.

Central to the discussion was the appeal of All3Media’s intellectual property (IP) and its robust growth trajectory, which Turton surmised as the driving force behind RedBird IMI’s investment. “People want to see growth,” Turton stated, suggesting that the new ownership recognised the strategic potential within All3Media’s expansive and diverse production portfolio. This investment aims not just to sustain the company’s success but to leverage untapped growth opportunities.

Since becoming CEO in 2015, Turton has overseen a significant expansion of All3Media’s holdings, growing from 19 to 40 production labels. Reflecting on the exhaustive sales process, Turton conveyed relief at its conclusion, expressing confidence in the company’s forward-looking strategies.

A focal point of Turton’s address was All3Media’s evolution in both scripted and unscripted content arenas. All3Media, renowned for unscripted hits such as “The Traitors” and the BAFTA award-winning series “Squid Game: The Challenge,” is seeking to enhance its scripted content, aiming to bridge existing portfolio gaps. Turton revealed plans to expand scripted offerings, hinting at forthcoming announcements regarding new scripted units and labels.

The industry’s shift towards original content streaming has, according to Turton, invigorated certain scripted sub-genres, largely due to global platforms like Netflix providing fertile grounds for innovative storytelling. “Is there a place for domestic drama? Absolutely,” she affirmed, noting that impactful local stories can resonate with universal audiences.

Highlighting All3Media’s capability in producing high-calibre unscripted content, Turton cited the documentary “Endurance,” which chronicles Ernest Shackleton’s infamous Antarctic expedition. This documentary, presented at the BFI London Film Festival and now streaming on Disney+, combines historical footage and contemporary AI technology to weave a compelling narrative.

Addressing the documentary’s creation, Turton explained, “The filmmakers utilised original 1914 footage, converting it from black and white with the aid of AI, and supplemented it with 2022 visual material. They even reconstructed voices from diary entries using AI.” This use of cutting-edge technology exemplifies innovative storytelling, something Turton sees as integral to All3Media’s future.

The keynote was part of the “C-Suite Conversations” series hosted in collaboration with Variety. This series featured other significant industry leaders, including Channing Dungey of Warner Bros. Television Group and Tony Vinciquerra of Sony Pictures Entertainment, further underscoring the high-profile nature of the event.

Jane Turton’s insights at Mipcom provide a comprehensive overview of All3Media’s strategic direction and the motivations behind RedBird IMI’s substantial investment, signalling intriguing developments in the television production sphere.

Source: Noah Wire Services