Arrow splits into sister labels

L-R: John Smithson, Tom Brisley and Iain Pelling

UK factual indie Arrow Media is restructuring into two sister labels, one focusing on returnable TV series and the other on high-end features, series and serials.

Arrow Media and Arrow Pictures will reside under parent company Arrow International Media. Arrow Media will draw on the company’s track record of high-rating returnable content across the whole factual landscape, including long-running series, singles and specials. It will be headed up by Arrow co-founder Tom Brisley as creative director.

Arrow Pictures will build on fellow co-founder John Smithson’s track record of award-winning, big-budget content, focusing on feature films, feature docs and high-end series and serials. Smithson will be its creative director.

Arrow was formed by Smithson, Brisley and MD Iain Pelling seven years ago following their exit from Endemol Shine-owned Darlow Smithson. All three will sit on Arrow International Media’s board.

Pelling said: “We have a huge amount to be proud of – high-end feature docs, quality SVoD factual, cream-of-the-crop directors working with us, booming US output in the most challenging of markets, and the holy grail: returning hit series.

“As the content market continues to grow, we want to evolve our position as one of the go-to companies for world-class productions. We are also passionate about driving growth through quality, and these changes enable us to do just that. These two labels will enable John and Tom to play to their strengths, give our teams more creative freedom and better articulate Arrow’s breadth and depth.”

Both labels will work with commissioners, collaborators and coproduction partners in the UK, US and across the globe.