Banijay invests in ‘Natives’ writer Akala’s UK prodco Immovable Studios

Akala & Chanelle Newman (Source: Banijay, Paul Husband Photography)

Banijay has taken an undisclosed stake in Immovable Studios, the UK-based production outfit co-founded by hip-hop artist Akala and talent manager Chanelle Newman that has been behind shows for the BBC.

The investment comes via Banijay UK’s Growth Fund and will be used to expand Immovable’s TV output, which includes Akala-fronted projects such as Poetry: Between The Lines, Akala’s Odyssey for BBC Four and Akala Presents: The Ruins Of Empires for BBC Two.

An untitled docuseries inspired by Akala’s book, Natives, has also been commissioned by BBC Documentaries, with another major scripted series in funded development. Details of that project are under wraps.

Patrick Holland

Immovable, which is led by Newman, has also agreed a first-look deal with Banijay Rights as part of the investment.

The deal is the latest investment via Banijay’s UK-focused Growth Fund, which backed a new prodco from Three Little Birds writer Lenny Henry in November. It has already invested in James Norton’s Rabbit Track, Conker Pictures from ex Apple+ and BBC commissioners Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin, and Wales-based start-up Ty’r Ddraig, among others.

Former Netflix exec Chris Sussman also joined the company last year to develop projects, a move funded via the £50m ($60m) Growth Fund.

Patrick Holland, executive chair & CEO of Banijay UK, said: “Akala is an extraordinary talent, a creative force whose books Natives and The Dark Lady have reimagined stories from our shared histories.

“We are delighted to announce this investment in Akala and Chanelle’s production company and look forward to partnering on the unique slate of projects they have been developing.”

Akala said: “Television is a place where some of the best art in the world is being made today, where some of our favourite modern epics have been created, and I am extremely excited to delve further into this medium to do what I love: storytelling.”

Newman said: “Championing artists and their creativity is my passion and it is great to have the support and infrastructure from Patrick and his incredible team to continue building our vision to produce impactful content for a global audience.”