Asylum Entertainment boosts UK unscripted focus with Soho Studios investment

Endeavor-backed unscripted firm Asylum Entertainment Group is expanding its interest in the UK market by making a strategic investment in London- and Glasgow-based Soho Studios Entertainment.

Ian Lamarra

The fast-growing American production group said the investment will fuel its international growth strategy and accelerate the evolution of both businesses. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Launched in 2022, Soho Studios is led by co-founder and chief creative officer Ian Lamarra, alongside co-founding directors Paul Sandler and Francis Ridley.

Its slate includes the two-part true crime series The Playboy Bunny Murder (ITV) with investigative journalist Marcel Theroux. It also produces Tim’s Listening Party, a podcast featuring Tim Burgess of the band The Charlatans, while it is also developing a podcast featuring Jonny Owen and Vicky McClure.

Asylum’s investment in Soho Studios comes five months after it backed the newly launched UK indie Moon&Back Media, led by Nigel Hall, Russ Lindsay and Dawn Airey.

Steve Michaels

Outside the UK, it has also recently formed a strategic partnership with Scott Weintrob’s LA-based Large Eyes Entertainment, agreed a partnership with the New York Post and forged a first-look deal with Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello and his Comandante Productions.

“Ian offers a wealth of insight and access to the most creative storytellers in the business,” said Asylum CEO Steve Michaels.

“He is a highly skilled visionary who has successfully launched companies to serve international markets. We are excited to collaborate with Soho Studios Entertainment at such an explosive time in their development.”

Lamarra added: “I am really galvanized by Steve and his team at Asylum, whose approach and attitude to creativity and collaboration make them the perfect partner at this crucial time. We are excited to grow the company in the UK and work strategically with Asylum to do a lot more in the US.”