Please wait...
Please wait...

Lionsgate takes $200m Pilgrim stake

US studio Lionsgate is continuing its expansion in the unscripted space after acquiring a stake in reality producer Pilgrim Studios for an estimated US$200m.

Pilgrim series Welcome to Sweetie Pies

Pilgrim series Welcome to Sweetie Pies

Founded by Craig Piligian in 1997, Pilgrim’s slate includes 47 unscripted and scripted series across 27 networks, including Syfy’s Ghost Hunters, OWN’s Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s, Discovery’s Fast N’ Loud, National Geographic’s Wicked Tuna and IFC’s The Ultimate Fighter.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed but Lionsgate’s investment is reported to be US£200m for more than 50% of the company. However, the relationship between the two firms is being described as a partnership.

Pilgrim CEO Piligian will keep a significant ownership position and the prodco will continue to operate independently.

Lionsgate has been making a play in the unscripted programming game of late with deals including Eli Frankel’s Rogue Atlas Productions, Dave Caplan’s Trooper Entertainment, Matt Kunitz’s Pulse Creative and Adam DiVello’s Done and Done Productions. The firm also appointed Jennifer O’Connell as executive VP of alternative programming

Pilgrim's Craig Piligian

Pilgrim’s Craig Piligian

“This transaction scales and diversifies our television business by aligning Pilgrim, the market leader in nonfiction programming, with our robust scripted production operations as well as our premier syndication business operating under the Debmar-Mercury banner,” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer.

The news comes in the same week that Discovery Communications and Liberty Global each acquired a 3.4% stake in Lionsgate in a deal worth US$390m.

US-based Pilgrim recently launched digital venture 1620 Media and added four new original scripted series to its roster of programming.

In August, the firm reshuffled its management team with the promotion of two execs to senior content-related roles.

Please wait...