Argonon gets Blacklisted

Independent global producer Argonon today unveiled a new joint venture drama prodco, Blacklisted Films.

Founded by former Leopardrama development producer David Chikwe, the joint venture will complement existing companies under the Argonon umbrella, including April 2013 acquisition Transparent Television and Leopardrama.

Blacklisted Films has several scripted series already in development, including online transsexual sitcom Living Well from writer Steve Keyworth, psychological thriller The Willows from Stephen Volk and coming-out drama Forward, from Stephen Laughton.

Chikwe will continue to produce current Leopardrama feature projects Danny La Rue and Mother of Sorrows, and associate produce on CBBC drama Eve. Executive producer Joey Attawia (An Englishman in New York) will also work on the new prodco, with consultation from Argonon CEO James Burstall.

Commenting on the new venture, Chikwe said: “Blacklisted looks to work in a space that’s off the beaten track, both in genre and talent terms, but always keeping an eye on how a proposition can cross-over and capture a mainstream audience.

“I want to empower writers and give them control over their creations and take advantage of new funding models to drive projects forward.”

Burstall (above) added: “One of Argonon’s core philosophies is nurturing new talent both off-screen and on-screen. We are delighted to invest in Blacklisted Films which will complement our existing businesses and help drive our ambition to create and distribute content in non-traditional ways and across multiple platforms.”

The new division marks the second time Argonon has embarked on such a venture since its launch in 2011, following the launch of US/UK factual prodco BriteSpark Films last January with ex-Cineflix exec Nick Godwin.

Other prodcos under the Argonon umbrella include Leopard Films, Remedy Productions, Transparent Television and Leopadrama in the UK, with Leopard USA and Remedy Canada filling out the roster.