Ringside Media buys stake in Steve November’s Further South from Lionsgate

Ringside Media, the investment arm of Newen-backed Ringside Studios, has acquired a stake in Steve November’s Further South Productions from Lionsgate.

Steve November

November joined Lionsgate in 2016 after leaving his role as director of dramas at UK commercial broadcaster ITV. The two parties then formed Further South in 2019 as a joint venture.

Lionsgate has now sold its stake to Ringside Media, part of Ringside Studios, which was set up at the start of 2020 by French production group Newen and former Channel 4 drama head Gub Neal.

Further South is the division’s third investment following its acquisition of stakes in Fictionhouse and Slate Entertainment, which were announced earlier this year.

Sarah Conroy will continue alongside November in her role as executive producer following the switch. The companies will all work closely with Newen Connect, Newen’s distribution arm.

The company comes with an advanced slate of development projects and plans to focus on contemporary character drama.

November’s ITV credits included Marcella, Cold Feet, Innocent, Unforgotten, The Durrells, Grantchester, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jeffries and Victoria.

November said: “To be joining Ringside in the early days of their development is a fantastic opportunity. They have all the knowledge and experience to help Further South grow and we are really looking forward to working with the group to help realise our shared ambitions for English-language drama.”

Neal said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Steve and Sarah into the Ringside group. Steve brings with him a wide range of production experience as well as a highly successful background in commissioning, and we are looking forward to collaborating with their considerable talents across the group.”