Jane Featherstone and Elizabeth Murdoch’s growing transatlantic sister group has added to its acquisition portfolio by acquiring a majority stake in British digital-first production company After Party Studios.
Founded in 2016, After Party was founded by YouTuber Callum McGinley (best known as Callux), film director Ben Doyle (better known as Rvbberduck), CEO Joshua Barnett (ex-YMU and ITV) and Base79 founder Richard Mansell.
The company has become known for original content, branded entertainment and social production across platforms, brands and online talent. After Party series and formats include Sky Sports’ documentary series ‘Scene’ (watched over 150 million times), Channel 4.0’s shows ‘Don’t Get Catfish’, ‘Find the…’ and the annual sold-out sidemen charity match at Wembley Stadium ‘Hear Me Out’. Digital content supporting Netflix’s House of Guinness, Stranger Things and Becoming Gordon Ramsay. It also runs a wide range of campaigns for companies such as Red Bull and Just Eat.
Upcoming projects include “In Search of Peace” with Jordan Stevens on MTV UK. “Race to the Top” is a documentary that follows KSI’s acquisition of British soccer team Dagenham & Redbridge FC. and the continued social rollout of ‘SNL UK’ digital series ‘Five To Live’ for Sky One.
“The After Party Studios team occupies a unique space: a digitally native creative company driven by the instincts of creators and built on deep relationships with talent, brands and platforms and top-notch execution,” said Sister Group CEO Lucinda Hicks. “Our partnership will enable them to continue their great work creating innovative IP, deepening direct relationships with audiences, and shaping the next era of digital storytelling.”
According to the companies, the acquisition of Sister fuels After Party’s ambitions to “strengthen” its slate, with potential collaborations with other entities under the Sister Group umbrella.
These companies include Sister Pictures, the award-winning TV and film production company behind shows such as Chernobyl, This Is Going to Heart and Black Doves (with a second series currently in production). The television and film segment also includes Dorothy Saint Pictures, Yes Yes Media, Locksmith Animation, South of the River and Unanimous Media. On the podcasting front, Sister Group owns a majority stake in Campside Media, backs Zand and AWA in publishing, and has invested in London nightlife venue Coco. After Party marks Sister’s first foray into digital media.
“Over the past 10 years, we have built the Afterparty studio with some of the best talent in front of and behind the camera, creating creatively ambitious work and constantly striving to advance internet culture. We believe the future of entertainment is online, so we have always valued storytelling, craft and originality in a space that has historically rewarded opposition,” said Afterparty co-founders Callum McGinley and Ben Doyle. “Joining the Sister family feels like a natural next step for us. Their track record of supporting bold and unique storytelling makes them the ideal partner to take our company into our next chapter.”
Sisters Murdoch, co-founder and executive chair, and Jane Featherstone, co-founder and chief creative officer, added: “The Sisters Group has always championed excellence in storytelling in all its forms, enabling extraordinary creative entrepreneurs to do their best work and ensuring that every company can add value to the whole. Callum, Ben, Josh and their tremendously talented team are just that…relevant and engaging storytellers dedicated to excellence and connecting with audiences everywhere. We welcome them wholeheartedly.”There are many like-minded people in this group, and opportunities for new and impactful collaborations abound. ”
The deal was brokered by Sister Group Chief Operating Officer Chris Fry, After Party Studio CEO Joshua Barnett and Chief Financial Officer Kevin Deeley. After Party Studio was advised by Waypoint Partners. Sister Group was represented by CMS and After Party Studios was represented by Harbottle & Lewis.
