IM Global Founder Stuart Ford Launches AGC Studios

Stuart Ford, the founder and former CEO of IM Global, has launched a new venture, AGC Studios, which is backed by, among others, Image Nation Abu Dhabi.

AGC Studios is initially backed by Latin American private asset management firm MediaNet Partners; Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Symantec CEO and founder and chairman of Fibonacci Films, Greg Clark; and Image Nation Abu Dhabi. AGC Studios will develop, produce, finance and globally license a portfolio of feature films, scripted, unscripted and factual TV, digital and musical content, produced from its headquarters in Los Angeles and London.

AGC Productions will develop and produce a diverse multicultural slate of mainstream English-language feature film and TV projects. AGC International will operate an international film and television licensing and distribution platform. AGC Capital will provide development, production and post-production financing to both AGC Productions’ output as well as to select third-party produced film and TV productions.

Ford is joined as a partner in the new venture by former IM Global CFO, Miguel Palos, in the role of COO at AGC Studios.

Ford commented: “Amidst unprecedented levels of evolution in the entertainment industry, AGC Studios’ state of the art and highly flexible business model allows us to create and efficiently distribute a prolific array of premium film and television content. We’re fortunate enough to have a committed trio of top-class international backers who share my vision for where the industry is headed and how AGC can maximize this incredible market opportunity.”

Juan Aguerrevere, partner at MediaNet Partners, added: “Our two main goals are to invest in talent and to find true partners along the way. In Stuart we have found both in spades. His proven track record and understanding of the industry and its changing nature is second to none. We look forward to working with Stuart in this new adventure.”

Clark commented: “We are excited to partner with Stuart and his team. Stuart is a distinguished leader in the industry and an excellent steward to navigate the structural changes that are happening across the entertainment business. Stuart and his team’s experience, business acumen and creative capability are exemplary.”

Ben Ross, the head of narrative film and television at Image Nation Abu Dhabi, said: “Over the last few years, Image Nation has enjoyed a close partnership with Stuart and are pleased to be a founding investor in his new venture. We believe AGC Studios is in a unique position to capitalize on the changing trends in the marketplace.”