Rare TV buys Screenchannel

UK-based production outfit Rare Television Group has acquired factual, format and factual entertainment indie Screenchannel Television for an undisclosed amount.

Antony Fraser

Screenchannel was behind BBC primetime duo The Sheriffs Are Coming and Fake Britain and was launched in 2009 by joint MDs Peter Lowe, a former BBC executive producer and controller at Carlton Television, and Emma Barker, previously a commissioning editor and controller at ITV.

Both will continue as directors of Screenchannel, alongside Rare CEO Antony Fraser and group operations director Mark Wright.

The prodco recently won a raft of BBC re-commissions, including a sixth season of Fake Britain and a second of Oxford Street Revealed, and is the latest acquisition for Rare. Further financial details of the deal, which will see Rare acquire 100% of Screenchannel, have not been released.

Rare is headed by Ingenious Ventures co-founder Fraser, with investment from A+E Networks exec Joel Denton and UK-based media and technology investment vehicle Forward Private Equity, as well as media investment and advisory boutique Bob & Co.

Fraser said: “Screenchannel brings a wealth of complementary skills and experience to Rare, and we look forward to working with them as they continue to develop their business, both in the UK and internationally.”

Rare aims to acquire factual producers, nurture their growth and support them in the exploitation of their IP across platforms and territories. The firm made 360Production its first acquisition last year, bringing the London- and Northern Ireland-based producer into its stable for an undisclosed figure.