Newen Pacts with Gub Neal for U.K. Venture

Newen has launched a new U.K. production company, Ringside Studios, in collaboration with English producer Gub Neal and production house DoveTale Media.

Ringside Studios is majority-owned by Newen, with both Neal and DoveTale Media owning stakes in the business. Neal, who will lead the team as creative director, is best known for dramas such as The Fall and The Last Enemy. Insoupçonnable (Léonis production for TF1), the French adaptation of The Fall, is one of the most successful dramas in France.

The new venture will focus on high-quality English and international dramas, which may be distributed by Newen. Ringside Studios already has several projects under advanced development within Newen, including international co-productions such as Oksa Pollock.

Romain Bessi, managing director of Newen, said: “With the creation of Ringside Studios, Newen continues to develop its strong international presence. The highly-regarded British fiction market is an important part of our growth strategy and it is essential that we develop a presence there. With Gub Neal, we have the opportunity to work with a talented producer who already has strong creative ties with Newen, while offering other English-speaking talents the opportunity to join our ambitious creative ecosystem.”

Neal added: “Never has there been a more exciting or timely opportunity to join forces with leading European media hub Newen and work with Newen’s teams in building a new drama powerhouse in London. The ability to attract top English talent with such strong European backing is a wonderful prospect and a truly rewarding venture that I am thrilled to be part of.”