Newen Expands International Footprint With Acquisition of Scandinavian Outfit Anagram

Elsa Keslassy
·1 min read

Newen, the Paris-based international production and distribution group owned by France’s leading commercial network TF1, has acquired a majority stake in the Scandinavian outfit Anagram.

Anagram, which was founded in 2002 by comedians Anders Jansson and Johan Wester, has offices in Sweden and Norway that mainly produce TV drama, comedy and live entertainment through subsidiary Anagram Live. Some of the banner’s best-known content include “Thin Blue Line” and “My Life as a Comedian,” which premiered at Toronto.

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The acquisition was unveiled by Newen Studios CEO Romain Bessi, Anagram executives Mats Alders and Miira Paasilinna. During the lengthy presentation, Newen highlighted the latest work from its major labels around the world, including Ringside Studios (U.K.), Pupkin (Netherlands), Capa Drama (France), De Mensen (Belgium) and Kubik Films (Spain).

Newen is already established in Scandinavia through Nimbus, the high-profile Danish production company.

Bessi, who succeeded Bibiane Godfroid as CEO of Newen Group in January, addressed the collapse of the TF1 and M6 merger plans during the Q&A session and said the company has been pursuing its own growth strategy in international markets.

Newen now comprises of 50 production labels in key markets and is looking to expand its presence in English-speaking markets. Besides Gub Neal’s Ringside Studios, Newen recently acquired U.K. banner Rise Films.

Some of the shows teased during the presentation include Ringside’s drama “Liaison,” ordered by Apple TV+ and starring Eva Green, and “Marie Antoinette,” the lavish period drama produced by Capa Drama and created by Deborah Davis (“The Favorite”).

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