Last week UK TV company Channel 4 announced they had ‘taken a stake’ in London based photo and video agency Barcroft Media group
– the PR read …’Channel 4 has announced it has taken a minority stake in Barcroft Holdings Ltd, its first Growth Fund investment in a British multi-media content company specialising in content creation and digital distribution, as part of the corporation’s wider digital innovation strategy. The new investment extends the Fund’s business portfolio beyond traditional UK independent production support, in a bid to help develop the UK’s influence in the global digital market.’ David Abraham, Chief Executive of Channel 4 said: “As Channel 4’s growth in online and commercial innovation continues apace, it’s an exciting time for our Indie Growth Fund to make its first investment in a future-facing business with both content creation and multi-platform distribution capabilities. Barcroft’s ability to connect with younger audiences globally, and their work with different formats, platforms and brands, aligns with our own commercial growth and we look forward to sharing our expertise to help Barcroft grow and to develop 4’s wider digital strategy.”
We asked PhotoArchiveNews.com reader – Barcroft founder and CEO – Sam Barcroft (Middle – photo above) what this investment means for his agency.
PAN: How long have you been working with Channel 4?
Sam: We’ve been making shows for Channel 4 for seven or eight years now, and our recent project Inside The KKK was a big success for them.
PAN: Is this new deal just a cash injection or will you be working more closely with Channel 4 now?
Sam: It’s both. We’ll have more money to spend on growing the Barcroft businesses, and also will get the advice and counsel of senior Channel 4 people like Matt Hann and Jonathan Allan.
PAN: What does the Channel 4 deal do for Barcroft going forward?
Sam: We’ll be growing our commissioning, production and distribution of exclusive content. With new team members we will take more risks and continue innovating in both traditional and new areas.