NMG Studio responsible for National Media Group's investments in content production announces the completion of transaction to acquire a 25% stake in Metrafilms Studio. The transaction will result in production of own animated content for NMG's TV and digital resources by NMG Studio.
Metrafilms Studio produces the top-rated series Kid-e-Cats, which has been shown on CTC Media channels for as long as four years. Kid-e-Cats became a success not only in Russia, but also among the international audience — the animated series is available in more than 170 countries all over the world. Acquisition of a stake in Metrafilms Studio will allow NMG Studio to scale up the production of animated projects for the Russian and international markets.
Metrafilms Studio is a part of Metrafilms Group, which produced some of the most interesting Russian film projects of recent years — Anna's War (Golden Eagle and Nika Awards for the best film of the year), Dovlatov (included in the official selection of Berlin International Film Festival-2018), and The Humorist, which has already become one of the most hot-button first runs of 2019.
Vyacheslav Murugov, president of NMG Studio: "Content is the fuel of media industry. That's why we make films, series, and entertainment shows, and present them to the viewers right where they are at the moment — via TV channels, online platforms and cinema screens. Metrafilms is distinguished by the highest quality of content and an ability to talk to the widest audience — the characteristics that are so important for NMG Studio. I can't wait for launching our new joint projects."
Artem Vasilyev, general producer of Metrafilms Studio: "Our Kid-e-Cats have been shown on CTC Media channels for a few years, with consistently high ratings. We are happy to start a new stage in cooperation with National Media Group, as part of which we are going to dramatically increase the production of animation projects. Young viewers will see not only new episodes of Kid-e-Cats, but also other equally exciting stories."