Banijay UK Takes Stake in Immovable Studios

Banijay UK is investing in Immovable Studios, co-founded by hip-hop artist, best-selling author and social entrepreneur Akala and his business partner and talent manager Chanelle Newman.

The deal includes a first look with Banijay Rights.

Alongside managing and developing the business model around Akala’s music and writing career, Newman has led the Immovable Studios television production arm and has been involved in the production of a variety of Akala-fronted TV projects, including Poetry: Between the Lines, Akala’s Odyssey and Akala Presents: The Ruins of Empires. BBC Documentaries has commissioned an untitled docuseries inspired by Akala’s best-selling book Natives, and another scripted series is in funded development.

Patrick Holland, executive chair and CEO of Banijay UK, said, “Akala is an extraordinary talent, a creative force whose books Natives and The Dark Lady have reimagined stories from our shared histories. We are delighted to announce this investment in Akala and Chanelle’s production company and look forward to partnering on the unique slate of projects they have been developing.”

Akala added, “I think television is a place where some of the best art in the world is being made today, where some of our favorite modern epics have been created, and I am extremely excited to delve further into this medium to do what I love: storytelling.”

Newman said, “Championing artists and their creativity is my passion, and it is great to have the support and infrastructure from Patrick and his incredible team to continue building our vision to produce impactful content for a global audience.”