Bryan, Garnier & Co organizes next James Bond’s adventures in China

Paris, April 24th, 2013 – Bryan, Garnier & Co, the independent pan-European investment bank focused on European growth companies, today announced it has advised Pinewood Shepperton on its 50/50 Joint Venture with Seven Stars Media.

Pinewood Shepperton Plc, a leading UK based provider of services to the global film and television industry and owner of Europe’s largest film studio, has signed a 50/50 Joint Venture agreement with Seven Stars Media Limited, part of one of China’s leading private media groups, which provides content creation and distribution and is controlled by entrepreneur Bruno Wu.

Pinewood, which is home to the James Bond films, operates studios in the UK, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Germany and Malaysia. To date over 1,500 productions have used the facilities or services provided by Pinewood.

The Joint Venture, which will initially focus on assessing business proposals in the rapidly growing Chinese entertainment industry, will be called ‘Song Lin’.

Through the partnership the two parties intend to: provide co-production opportunities for film and TV producers; create film and TV diploma courses to be delivered by UK educational institutions in Beijing, Tianjin and four other cities, develop production financing and related services for Chinese film and TV productions; establish a series of film-themed entertainment venues in Shanghai and regionally; and create film-themed projects in Beijing, Shanghai and Wuhan.

Ivan Dunleavy, CEO at Pinewood, said: “The Chinese market for content is the fastest growing in the world and taking Pinewood’s experience and skills to that market in partnership with such an established and successful local partner is a truly exciting prospect. The joint venture brings together two companies with significant experience and will provide a conduit for film and television productions to maximise their impact in China. The partnership with Seven Stars, under Bruno Wu’s direction, represents a strategic step forward for Pinewood’s international development. If successful, the joint venture could provide significant opportunities for UK film and television producers.”

Bruno Wu, Chairman and CEO at Seven Stars, said: “Together with Pinewood, we have identified a significant number of business opportunities for the short, medium and long term. The joint venture will aim to improve the standard of media production, create co-production opportunities for Chinese producers and export Chinese film and television content overseas. Our local knowledge and scale combined with Pinewood’s unique operational skills and international reputation will enable our joint venture to participate in China’s content explosion.”

UK Prime Minister David Cameron showed his support as well, commenting that: “It’s great to see Pinewood Studios expanding its business with the announcement of its joint venture with Seven Stars Media. The creative industries are a rapidly growing area of China’s economy and will increasingly provide huge opportunities for UK companies competing in the global race. Pinewood is leading the way, taking advantage of China’s thriving entertainment and media sector and building on Britain and China’s growing trade relationship.”

Robert Pfeiffer, Managing Director – Media Team at Bryan, Garnier & Co, added: “We are delighted to have connected and advised Pinewood Studios and Seven Stars Media on this transformational partnership.”

 For more information, please contact: 

Robert Pfeiffer, Managing Director – Media Team / +44 207 332 2539 / rpfeiffer@bryangarnier.com

Oscar Talvitie – Corporate Finance / +44 207 332 2514 / otalvitie@bryangarnier.com

About Pinewood Shepperton

Pinewood is a leading provider of studio and related services to the worldwide film and television industries. The company provides services to support film production, filmed television and studio television recording, digital content services and facilities for media-related businesses.

The Group, which is home to the James Bond films, operates studios in the UK, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Germany and Malaysia. To date over 1,500 productions have used the facilities or services provided by Pinewood.

About Seven Stars Media 

Seven Stars is one of the largest and fastest-growing media conglomerates in China, with operating subsidiaries and joint ventures in Hong Kong, Europe, UK and the United States. The company’s founder and Chairman Bruno Wu has been a leading figure in the international entertainment industry for over a decade.