Rare to perform with BabyGrand

Recently formed factual production outfit Rare Television Group has made its second move into the UK factual space after agreeing a joint venture with Babygrand Productions.

Rare acquired 360Production shortly after its launch in the summer and will now provide cash injections for BabyGrand. In return, it will work with A-list celebrities on bespoke ideas to develop and produce factual content for Rare.

BabyGrand was founded in 2013 by directors Claire Evans and Sonia Beldom, who both worked at the BBC. Evans helped launch the UKTV channels and was also in charge of operations and business affairs at the BBC, while Beldom worked at BBC’s Pebble Mill studio and devised Victoria’s Empire for UK prodco Tiger Aspect and An Idiot Abroad for Sky1.

Rare is headed by Ingenious Ventures co-founder Antony Fraser and former Red Arrow Entertainment MD Joel Denton, with funding from UK-based media and technology investment vehicle Forward Private Equity, as well as media investment and advisory boutique Bob & Co.

It aims to acquire factual producers, nurture their growth and support them in the exploitation of their IP across platforms and territories. The firm made 360Production its first acquisition in June, bringing the London- and Northern Ireland-based producer into its stable for an undisclosed fee.

Rare CEO Antony Fraser said the latest deal would “inject crucial talent relationships into our development strategy and working alongside Sonia and Claire we aim to further maximise the creative and commercial potential of the growing Rare family.”