UK prodco completes DCD buyout

Glasgow-based producer Matchlight has completed a management buyout that has seen its three founders take control of the company. It was previously part of the DCD Media group.

The prodco was created in 2009 as a joint venture between the company’s original management and DCD

Creative director Ross Wilson, managing director David Smith and development director Jacqui Hayden will own and run the company under the new structure.

Matchlight said that DCD’s decision to focus on rights and distribution and its production base in London created an opportunity for the management team to reacquire the company.

“We’re excited to take full control and ownership of our business for the first time,” said Ross Wilson. “In the five years since Matchlight was founded we’ve built a strong reputation for producing critically-acclaimed, high-end factual programming and for working with brilliant on-screen talent. As we enter into this new phase we’re looking forward to taking this expertise to new markets.”

Matchlight also announced two commissions for UK pubcaster the BBC. It is making a 1x60mins doc about Audrey Hepburn with former Royal Ballet star and Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell, for BBC One, and a 2x60mins ob doc set in organ donation and transplant centres, for BBC One and BBC Scotland.

It is also making End the War (WT), a follow up to 2012 Russell Brand doc From Addiction to Recovery, with the comedian and actor investigating the war on drugs.