Leopard Chief Unveils Argonon

LONDON: James Burstall, CEO of Leopard, is looking to create a super-indie with the establishment of Argonon, encompassing Leopard Films, Leopardrama, Leopard Films USA, Remedy Productions and Remedy Productions Canada, with discussions underway to add more outfits to the group.

Burstall will serve as CEO of Argonon, with Stuart Mullin, formerly of Wall to Wall, as CFO. Susie Field has been promoted to general manager of Argonon Group. Todd Austin will oversee day to day operations of Leopard Films in the U.K. as chief creative officer. Nick Riggs continues to run Leopard Films USA as president. Toby Dormer and Juliet Borges, managing directors of Remedy Productions, hold "significant" stakes in the firm. With the launch of Argonon, Leopard International is being rebranded as Argonon International to represent the group’s portfolio to networks across the globe. Leopard Films and Remedy Productions, meanwhile, will operate as distinct and individual production companies under the Argonon banner.

“Our ambition is to create a unique new center of excellence with quality content at its core," Burstall said. "There is a huge appetite in the market now for first rate programming, content across all platforms that challenges, questions and entertains in a surprising way. Argonon is home to some of the finest creatives in the industry and will offer talented people the platform, investment and resources to do inspiring work. We are investing in quality. Remedy has consistently delivered high quality, stand-out programming and I am delighted Toby, Juliet and their brilliant team are joining Argonon. We firmly believe that joining forces will spark new flashes of creativity and help us all push the boundaries. It will also give us greater breadth and skills as we share expertise."

Dormer added, “Argonon is a fantastic opportunity and exciting development for Remedy Productions. There is a genuine synergy between us and Leopard and we look forward to collaborating creatively with them and future members of the Argonon Group in the coming months and years.”

Discussions are under way for other firms to join the group, with Thomas Dey and Sachin Dosani of About Corporate Finance (ACF) serving as advisors.