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Mayer and Staggs’ Candle Media buys Spanish-language producer Exile

Candle Media, the Blackstone Group-backed venture from former Disney execs Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, has acquired Spanish-language studio Exile Content Studio.

Kevin Mayer

Exile was founded in 2019 by former chief content officer for Univision and Televisa Isaac Lee, who, along with the producer’s current senior management team, will continue to oversee its day-to-day operations following the buyout.

Based in Mexico City, Madrid and Miami, Exile produces feature film, scripted and unscripted television, music and audio storytelling and innovative commerce activities.

Among its titles are series Todo Va A Estar Bien, coproduced with Diego Luna for Netflix and docuseries Un Sueño Real in partnership with journalist Ana Pastor for HBO.

Meanwhile, Exile’s upcoming projects include Gente Sana, a six-part docuseries hosted by J Balvin for NBC Studios for Peacock and scripted series The Illusionist Club in partnership with Moxie 88.

Recently, Exile announced a development deal with actor Benicio del Toro (The Usual Suspects, Escape at Dannemora) and also holds the IP for the celebrated character Manolito Gafotas, whose books have been translated into more than 20 languages in 22 countries.

Exile is the latest in a slew of acquisitions for Candle, which last year bought Reese Witherspoon’s prodco Hello Sunshine and children’s company Moonbug Entertainment. The firm also has a 10% stake in Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s prodco Westbrook.

Candle co-founders and co-CEOs Mayer and Staggs said: “Exile has established itself as an emerging leader in Spanish-language content, with deep relationships with exceptional artists and creators, broad cross-platform production, audience engagement and social commerce expertise. We’re excited to be a part of the tremendous growth they have ahead.”

Exile’s executive chairman Lee said: “Exile’s vision is to create content that not only resonates with Spanish speakers, but also with universal audiences. We have spent the last three years building a network of creative talent and compelling IP and partnering with Candle will allow us to accelerate our strategy. Kevin, Tom and Blackstone have an inspiring vision for Candle, and their commitment to invest in properties that are highly dedicated to creator communities and audiences aligns perfectly with Exile’s mission.”

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