Helion is delighted to announce it has advised Moonage Pictures on its majority sale to ITV Studios

Moonage was founded in 2018 by seasoned programme makers and former Peaky Blinders producers, Will Gould, Matthew Read, and Frith Tiplady, and has quickly become one of the fastest-growing producers of globally successful, high end, returnable drama series.

In 2024, it produced one of Netflix’s most globally-watched new original series, The Gentlemen, starring Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Ray Winstone, and Vinnie Jones, co-written by Matthew Read and Guy Ritchie. The series ranked number 1 in 90 of Netflix’s 93 territories and has been recommissioned for a second season.

It also produced A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, based on Holly Jackson’s New York Times YA bestseller, starring Emma Myers for BBC One and Netflix. The show quickly became one of the most globally-watched teen dramas of the year and was also recommissioned for a second season.

It has just launched the critically acclaimed limited series The Leopard (adapted from the epic novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa) with Netflix Italy. Previously, it produced the limited series Bodies starring Stephen Graham (Netflix Global Top 10) and Obsession, starring Richard Armitage and Charlie Murphy also for Netflix. Additionally, it has produced two series of the timeless classic The Famous Five for BBC One (co-written by Matthew Read and Nicholas Winding  Refn), the Bafta-nominated Intergalactic and Curfew for Sky, and The Pursuit of Love for BBC One and Amazon, directed by Emily Mortimer.

Second series of The Gentlemen and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder are about to commence production.

The acquisition is a further important milestone in ITV’s strategy of growing its leading international content business.

BBC Studios, as a minority shareholder, exits as part of the transaction.

“We are delighted to be joining Julian and the team at ITV Studios. We’ve built the business over the last seven years, and it’s great timing to be part of a larger global platform to realise the full scale of our international ambitions. Tom, Alex and the team at Helion have been invaluable in guiding us through the complexity of the transaction to find us a great deal with the right partner, with incredible diligence and focus. Their input was critical, and they made the process seamless from start to finish.” Moonage Founders

“Moonage is in an elite group of producers who have had repeated success with their slate of impressive premium dramas. ITV Studios saw the attraction of this talented team as a welcome addition to their expanding international content business. I look forward to seeing the new opportunities that the partnership will create.” Tom Manwaring, Helion Partners

Helion has closed 18 leading TV production transactions in the past four years.

Helion Partners is a specialist M&A firm providing partner-led advice to leading companies and investors within the media, entertainment and marketing services sectors.

If you’re considering selling, buying, setting up a new company or coming to the end of your earn out, and want to discuss the options, please email Tom Manwaring at [email protected].