RedBird IMI, a joint venture investment firm led by Jeff Zucker, has taken a stake in The Morning Show production entity Media Res.
Founded by CEO Michael Ellenberg, a former HBO exec, Media Res also produces another notable Apple TV+ title, Pachinko.
An announcement about the investment said it will “fuel Media Res’ growth as a leading independent studio,” helping it expand in scripted series and also scale its activity in film and non-fiction.
The investment is RedBird IMI’s first in a scripted production outfit. Zucker, who wound down a lengthy run at CNN in 2023, later that year came aboard RedBird IMI, which is owned by private equity firm RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments.
Other investments during the company’s first year include EverWonder Studios, Hidden Pigeon Company and Front Office Sports.
The Morning Show, which launched along with Apple TV+ in 2019, had its third season become the streaming service’s most watched drama. Ellenberg was previously head of drama for HBO, overseeing shows like Big Little Lies, True Detective, The Leftovers and Westworld.
“It’s been thrilling to watch Michael’s ability to bring together the most creative minds in the business and develop innovative, commercially successful series for the new viewing landscape,” Zucker said. “Media Res was a natural partnership for us as we continue to expand our presence across all forms of scripted, unscripted and children’s entertainment as well as news and information.”
Ellenberg said Media Res was launched “in the belief that an independent studio model could thrive in today’s consolidated market — creating a home for groundbreaking artists and material with the aim of delighting, inspiring and enthralling audiences worldwide.” RedBird’s buy-in, he continued, “will allow us to build on what we started, fueling Media Res’ growth as a marquee supplier of premium storytelling.”