EXCLUSIVE: Fremantle is closing Don’t Pick up the Phone maker Wag Entertainment‘s production arm, with MD Steven Green exiting after 26 years.
Fremantle acquired Wag last year when it bought owner Asacha Media Group and we understand the move comes as part of ongoing strategic planning related to Asacha. Wag Entertainment’s distribution arm, which is run by Janice Strangward, is staying put, and Wag’s IP remains with Fremantle. Green is leaving along with co-founder Eliya Arman, creative director Bridget Boseley, production boss Kate Gibbard and production manager Kelly Hood. Layoffs are in the single figures, we are told.
Across nearly 30 years, Wag has been a prolific British documentary producer. Credits include Science Channel’s What On Earth?, Paramount+’s Don’t Date Brandon, Prime Video’s Murderer Behind the Mask and Netflix-Paramount+’s Don’t Pick up the Phone. The latter came via an innovative streaming model that saw Paramount+ take UK rights and Netflix rest of world. Upcoming, Wag’s Secrets of the Conclave airs on the BBC in a week’s time.
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Wag was acquired by Asacha in 2021, at which point founder Martin Durkin left and was replaced by Green. Fremantle has been strategizing over the future of Asacha since it bought the firm in 2024 and both Asacha founders have since exited.
Green said the Wag team “leaves on a high” after making projects during the past year for Amazon, Paramount+ and a trio of British broadcasters. “Everyone at Wag is proud of what we’ve achieved, and this year’s success, as well as the success of the past two and half decades, is all down to the many talented people we’ve worked with,” he added. “So on behalf of Eliya, Bridget, Kate and Kelly, a heartfelt thank you to all the freelancers and staffers, past and present, for 26 brilliant years.”
Fremantle UK CEO Amelia Brown said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Steven and the team for their incredible work and achievements. Wag has made great contributions to Fremantle since its successful integration under Asacha Media Group last year. We wish all the team at WAG the very best in their future endeavours.”
Asacha, and now Fremantle, owns the likes of Death in Paradise producer Red Planet Pictures, Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom maker Arrow and Oscar-nominated Les Misérables producer SRAB. Fremantle owner RTL previously said the super-indie spent more than €200M ($234M) on Asacha and 80% of Singapore’s Beach House Pictures in 2024.