Endeavor’s Asylum Entertainment buys into Ian Lamarra’s Soho Studios

Ian Lamarra (Source: Asylum Entertainment)

Endeavor-owned Asylum Entertainment Group has made an undisclosed investment in Ian Lamarra’s Soho Studios Entertainment aimed at expanding its international growth.

Soho Studios was launched by former Alaska TV creative director Lamarra in 2022 alongside co-founding directors Paul Sandler and Francis Ridley.

Steve Michaels (Source: Asylum Entertainment)

The size of Asylum’s stake in Soho Studios has not been revealed, but was described as “strategic” and will accelerate the US group’s international strategy while also helping the UK firm to expand.

Soho Studios, which has offices in London and Glasgow, is behind Marcel Theroux’s two-part true-crime series The Playboy Bunny Murder for ITV and Tim’s Listening Party, a podcast headlined by Tim Burgess of the Charlatans. It is also developing a new podcast with Jonny Owen and his wife, Vicky McClure (Line Of Duty).

Steve Michaels, Astylum’s CEO, said: “Ian offers a wealth of insight and access to the most creative storytellers in the business. He is a highly skilled visionary who has successfully launched companies to serve international markets.

“We are excited to collaborate with Soho Studios Entertainment at such an explosive time in their development.”

Lamarra added: “I am really galvanized by Steve and his team at Asylum, whose approach and attitude to creativity and collaboration make them the perfect partner at this crucial time. We are excited to grow the company in the UK and work strategically with Asylum to do a lot more in the US.”

Asylum, which was bought by Endeavor in March 2023, has been in acquisitive mood of late, securing stakes in UK-based production company Moon&Back Media and a creative partnership with Scott Weintrob and his Large Eyes Entertainment.