Content Group, Johnstone launch prodco

US producer Asylum Entertainment Group has partnered with veteran executive Dan Johnstone to launch prodco Breaklight Pictures in a joint venture with Asylum’s The Content Group.

Dan Johnstone

Johnstone will work alongside Asylum CEO Steve Michaels as well as Jodi Flynn, president of The Content Group. Breaklight is set to unveil its development slate this week.

The Content Group already has a number of similar partnerships. The outfit’s business model allows creative partners to earn profits as if they had equity in the company, according to Asylum.

Johnstone has almost two decades of industry experience and previously served as head of Red Arrow-backed Karga Seven Pictures’ special projects division.

At Karga Seven, he led the development and production of longform History series including Hunting Hitler, JFK Declassified: Tracking Oswald and Buried: Knights Templar, and oversaw upcoming scripted hybrid project Rise of Empires: Ottoman for Netflix.

He also recently completed the documentary War Remains for MWM Interactive.

Johnstone began his career at Harpo Films, where he was VP of development, servicing the company’s exclusive HBO deal for television, movies and miniseries, as well as theatrical projects for major studios including Lionsgate and DreamWorks.

Johnstone has produced for companies including STX Entertainment, All3Media and Maverick TV, and networks such as VH1, Comedy Central, A&E, Animal Planet and HGTV.

Johnstone said: “It’s rare to find a creative environment that is equal parts inspiring and supportive while also encouraging a limitless pursuit of ideas, but that’s exactly what Steve and Jodi have built with The Content Group.”

Since launching in 2018, The Content Group has struck a partnership with drama prodco Clovis Entertainment, launched a podcast venture with audio platform Audity and last week acquired Collins Avenue from Kew Media Group.

The company is working to expand its reach in the international market, and opened a London office last year.