Candle Media Acquires Exile Content Studio

Candle Media, the media company founded by Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, has acquired the Spanish-language production outfit Exile Content Studio.

Founded by former Univision and Televisa exec Isaac Lee in 2019, Exile works across the film, series, music and audio storytelling spaces. Based in Los Angeles, it has offices in Mexico City, Madrid and Miami. Lee and his senior management team will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the company.

Recent Exile projects include Todo Va A Estar Bien, co-produced with Diego Luna for Netflix, and Un Sueño Real, in partnership with journalist Ana Pastor for HBO. It is working on the J Balvin-hosted Gente Sana for Peacock and the scripted series The Illusionist Club in partnership with Moxie 88. Exile also holds the IP for the book-based character Manolito Gafotas and has a development deal with Benicio del Toro. It also operates Exile Kids, which is focused on Spanish-language animation and family entertainment.

“We are thrilled to partner with Isaac and the talented Exile team,” said Mayer and Staggs. “Exile has established itself as an emerging leader in Spanish-language content, with deep relationships with exceptional artists and creators, broad cross-platform production, audience engagement and social commerce expertise. We’re excited to be a part of the tremendous growth they have ahead.”

“Exile’s vision is to create content that not only resonates with Spanish speakers but also with universal audiences,” Lee noted. “We have spent the last three years building a network of creative talent and compelling IP, and partnering with Candle will allow us to accelerate our strategy. Kevin, Tom and Blackstone have an inspiring vision for Candle, and their commitment to invest in properties that are highly dedicated to creator communities and audiences aligns perfectly with Exile’s mission. It is an honor to join the Candle family of storytellers who represent diverse cultures and communities.”