AMC Networks buys into Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury Films’ period crime drama Murdoch Mysteries

US channels and streamer operator AMC Networks has invested in Murdoch Mysteries producer Shaftesbury to expand its content and development capabilities in Canada.

Through its investment in Shaftesbury, AMC Networks will gain access to Shaftesbury’s award-winning slate and expand its content and development capabilities in Canada.

Christina Jennings

Shaftesbury CEO and chairman Christina Jennings will continue to spearhead the creative focus of the company and lead the day-to-day operational control alongside exec VP Scott Garvie.

Jennings, Garvie and Shaftesbury board member Michael Levine will remain on Shaftesbury’s board of directors. They will be joined by two new AMC Networks directors, Harold Gronenthal, exec VP of programming and marketing for AMC Networks International, and Matt Graham, general manager of AMC Networks-owned streaming service Acorn TV.

Shaftesbury and its shareholders were advised on the strategic investment by RBC Capital Markets.

The two companies said today their partnership will create growth for Shaftesbury’s existing and future slate of content across all genres, creating more opportunities for Canadian creators in front of and behind the camera.

Shaftesbury is the studio behind titles on AMC-owned streaming service Acorn TV, including all 14 seasons of Murdoch Mysteries.

In addition to Acorn TV, AMC Networks operates the entertainment brands AMC, SundanceTV and BBC America and streaming services AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now and ALLBLK.

“This new partnership will leverage the broad expertise of AMC Networks and Shaftesbury to deliver significant growth opportunities for the development, production, distribution and reach of our content,” said Jennings. “Getting Canadian stories and creative talent in front of the international market has always been Shaftesbury’s mission – this relationship will give us a big leg-up.”

“Christina has built a world-class production company with a long track record and reputation for creating high-quality content that resonates in markets around the world,” said Josh Sapan, AMC Networks’ president and CEO.

“Shaftesbury is an ideal partner for AMC Networks as we expand our focus on sourcing premium content and IP for distribution across our own platforms as well as to third parties. In addition, this partnership will give AMC Networks enhanced capabilities to expand our productions in Canada.”