eOne unveils Secret Location investment

Canada-based studio Entertainment One has invested in an interactive agency that is expanding into the US.

The equity investment in Canadian firm Secret Location, the size of which was not disclosed, will lead to eOne gaining original interactive properties for the global markets.

The pair have already worked together on eOne properties such as Storming Juno, Certified Funny, The Great Martian War, Rookie Blue and Perfect Storms.

Secret Location creates content for brands, advertising agencies, producers and broadcasters. eOne said the investment would “further reinforce and expand the booming  Secret Location business and support the development of original interactive properties for eOne and Secret Location’s many clients”.

Secret Location will continue to operate independently, with its senior management team – president and founder James Milward, creative director and senior VP Pietro Gagliano and technical director and SVP Ryan Andal – will keep day-to-day control and remain with an equity stake.

The firm will open an LA office “in the near future”, according to eOne, which is taking a seat on the Secret Location board.

“Secret Location will accelerate our abilities to service our international broadcast partners with the most innovative digital portfolio to complement our productions and third-party content acquisitions,” said eOne president and CEO Darren Throop (pictured).

“This deal will increase opportunities across all platforms for both companies. While eOne has been increasingly active in digital development, we recognise the commercial potential for digital content in the international marketplace.”