eOne invests in Secret Location

Transatlantic producer-distributor Entertainment One (eOne) is stepping up its digital emphasis by investing in an Emmy award-winning Canadian interactive agency.

eOne has taken an undisclosed equity stake in Canadian firm Secret Location, which was launched in 2009 by James Milward to create interactive content for brands, producers and broadcasters.

Secret Location won an International Digital Emmy at MipTV in Cannes in 2012 for the transmedia experience it created around Canadian drama series Endgame.

The investment will be used to support the development of original content for eOne and Secret Location’s current clients, with the latter continuing to operate independently.

Secret Location’s exec team of Milward, who is president, creative director Pietro Gagliano and technical director Ryan Andal will remain in place, but eOne will have a representative on the company’s board.

eOne’s television division has previously worked with the company on content for shows including History’s Perfect Storms and Rookie Blue, which airs on Canadian network Global and ABC in the US.

Darren Throop, president and CEO of eOne, said the move would allow his firm to “accelerate our abilities to service international broadcast partners with the most innovative digital portfolio to complement our productions and third-party content acquisitions.

“This deal will increase opportunities across all platforms for both companies. While eOne has been increasingly active in digital development, we recognise the commercial potential for digital content in the international marketplace.”

Secret Location will remain in separate office facilities and plans to open a Los Angeles office.

eOne appointed Stuart Baxter to replace outgoing TV president Peter Emerson earlier this month.