NENT Studios Reorganizes to Focus on Scripted Production

NENT Studios is offloading its non-scripted production, branded entertainment and events businesses so that it can focus on scripted production and distribution.

The Nordic Entertainment Group-owned business also says it is planning to bring in an equity partner for its scripted production business, which includes Brain Academy Nordics, Nice Drama, EPIQ and Monster Scripted in the Nordics; Paprika in CEE; NENT Studios’ U.K. operations, including DRG and a joint venture with FilmNation Entertainment; Brain Academy US and the investment in Picturestart in Los Angeles.

The scripted production and distribution companies at NENT Studios contribute about 45 percent of its total revenues and a “significant proportion” of its profits, NENT Group says.

The sales process for Strix, Baluba, Monster Entertainment, Novemberfilm, Moskito, Rakett, Strong Productions and Production House, as well as Splay One, Playroom, One Big Happy Family and Grillifilms, will take place in the first half of this year. ACF has been appointed as financial adviser for the sale of the non-scripted production and events companies. Stella EOC will advise on the sale of the branded-entertainment business, Splay One.

Anders Jensen, NENT Group’s president and CEO, noted, “This reorganization reflects how important it is for us to focus even further on the opportunity we have with scripted original content, its relevance for our Viaplay streaming service and the expansion ambitions that we have for the coming years. We, therefore, have a clear ambition to grow the number of NENT Studios produced Viaplay Originals. We have also proven that these and many other shows are attractive to international media partners, who have picked up the rights for key territories around the world. We have had talks with several third parties who have expressed strong interest in investing in the exciting journey with the reorganized NENT Studios. Our successful non-scripted, branded entertainment and events companies primarily work with third-party clients, which is why we believe that they will benefit from new owners that are more focused on these segments of the market.”