Arrow splits into two sister labels

Factual indie Arrow is to split its business into two sister labels focused on separate elements of the prodco.

The newly formed Arrow Media will focus on returnable series including long-running series, singles and specials. It will be headed up by Arrow co-founder Tom Brisley who will oversee the label as creative director.

Meanwhile, Arrow Pictures will set its sights on big-budget content such as feature films, feature docs and high-end series. John Smithson, co-founder, will be the label’s creative director.

Both labels will fall under the umbrella of Arrow International Media, and work with commissioners, collaborators and co-pro partners in the UK, US and around the world.

Iain Pelling, Arrow’s managing director, stated: “We have a huge amount to be proud of—high-end feature docs, quality SVOD factual, cream-of-the-crop directors working with us, booming US output in the most challenging of markets and, the holy grail, returning hit series.

“As the content market continues to grow, we want to evolve our position as one of the ‘go-to’ companies for world-class productions. We are also passionate about driving growth through quality, and these changes enable us to do just that. These two labels will enable John and Tom to play to their strengths, give our teams more creative freedom and better articulate Arrow’s breadth and depth.”

Brisley and Smithson added: “Arrow has grown substantially—and we want to continue to do so. The content marketplace is packed with new opportunities and we want to be best placed to take advantage of all the different routes to market.

“These two sister labels give us the freedom to stretch our wings both creatively and commercially, whilst offering broadcasters and platforms the very best in factual programming. It also gives us the opportunity to grow the full range of content for the benefit of Arrow as a whole. Outstanding content needs passion and creativity at its core. We have that in spades and want to make the most of it.”

Brisley’s Syria-based doc Under The Wire (pictured) recently picked up US distributor Abramorama to sell this title stateside.