A+E Networks takes stake in Range Media, unveils A+E Studios alliance

New York-based A+E Networks has made a strategic minority investment in Range Media Partners, in addition to establishing a multi-faceted production partnership with the talent management firm launched by former CAA and Entertainment One exec Peter Micelli in September 2020.

Peter Micelli at Content London in 2018

Under the strategic partnership, A+E Studios will serve as a coproduction partner on Range Media’s scripted TV projects. In addition, the deal gives A+E Networks and its affiliated studios a first look at factual TV content for its networks and its two production labels, Category 6 Media and Six West Media.

For Range Media Partners, the deal will give it access to A+E Networks’ studio infrastructure for scripted, unscripted and independent film. The company also said the deal will allow it to further expand its talent representation capabilities, as well as the incubation of talent-affiliated consumer businesses.

Range Media already represents talent including Emilia Clarke, Bradley Cooper, Benicio Del Toro, Gabrielle Union, Michael Fassbender, Tom Hardy, Vince Vaughn, Naomi Ackie, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Jerrod Carmichael, Stephan James, Anna Kendrick and Shailene Woodley. This is in addition to writers and directors such as Amy Aniobi, Michael Bay, M Night Shyamalan, Luca Guadagnino, Martin McDonagh, Damon Lindelof, Gareth Edwards, Tim Van Patten and Alma Har’el.

Barry Jossen

Range Media Partners noted that private equity firm Point72 Ventures will continue to be a minority investor.

A+E Networks and Range Media said they already have several collaborative initiatives underway.

“We are privileged to be joined by the like-minded team at A+E Networks, some of whom we have worked with for decades, who share our passion for innovation, business strategy and compelling storytelling, as we enter this next chapter,” said Range CEO Micelli, who formerly served as chief strategy officer at eOne before exiting in April 2020.

Barry Jossen, president and head of A+E Studios, added: “We have a large roster of projects ready for the marketplace, all of which perfectly fit the Range Media Partners/A+E Studios strategic alliance of bringing together high-end artists to create and produce in a talent-friendly environment to bring their visions to the screen.”

A+E Networks’ portfolio of channels include A&E, Lifetime and History. Its A+E Studios division produces around 400 hours of unscripted content annually through Category 6 Media and Six West Media. On the scripted side, A+E Studios’ credits include Big Sky from David E Kelley for ABC, UnREAL, animated drama The Liberator for Netflix and You from Berlanti Productions and Alloy Entertainment with Warner Horizon Scripted Television for Netflix. The company says it has over 70 projects in active development.