#USA #Los Angeles #Radial Entertainment #FilmRise #Shout! Studios

A New Force in Entertainment: The Launch of Radial Entertainment

In a significant move within the entertainment industry, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. has successfully merged its portfolio company, Shout! Studios, with FilmRise, establishing Radial Entertainment. This merger signifies not just a combination of two production powerhouses but also a strategic move to enhance their capabilities in film and television distribution.

Industry Giants Unite

Radial Entertainment, as the new entity is dubbed, will leverage both FilmRise and Shout! Studios' rich histories and extensive libraries, showcasing a combined catalog of over 70,000 films and episodes. Under the leadership of Garson Foos, the CEO and Co-founder of Shout! Studios, and Danny Fisher, the CEO and Co-founder of FilmRise, this merged entity aims to become a leading independent content distributor. The two executives bring a wealth of experience and vision that is expected to propel Radial into a competitive stance against larger media conglomerates in an evolving digital landscape.

FilmRise has gained acclaim as a pioneer in digital streaming, offering diverse monetization strategies that include ad-supported and hybrid streaming models. Its catalog is especially rich in genres like true crime, reality shows, and classic programming. This complements Shout! Studios, known for its long-standing reputation in the industry and expertise across multiple distribution methods, including theatrical releases, digital streaming, and physical media. The blending of these two entities represents an exciting operational synergy, fostering innovation and customer engagement.

The Future of Film and Television

The new organization will benefit from enhanced strengths, combining FilmRise's innovative streaming strategies with Shout!'s extensive outreach in scripted content. Insights from both companies' leadership believed that together, they could create a more robust platform for content delivery—strengthening ties with content owners while providing diverse programming to various viewing audiences.

Jared Frandle, Managing Director for Oaktree's Special Situations strategy, articulated the potential of this merger: "This outstanding combination creates a world-class media business capable of meeting the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving landscape of digital entertainment." Oaktree’s commitment underscores a strategic focus not only on internal growth but also on acquiring new content partnerships to ensure Radial's place as a premium brand in media.

Commitment to Quality Content

Both FilmRise and Shout! Studios have established reputations for delivering quality content to their audiences. Radial intends to uphold this commitment, ensuring that both brands maintain their distinctive cultural identities while benefiting from the enhanced scale and resources of the combined company.

Danny Fisher, who has taken on the role of Executive Chairman at Radial, acknowledged the importance of the merger: "This is more than just joining two companies; it's about leveraging the unique strengths of each to foster something extraordinary. We're excited about the opportunities ahead and are committed to growing in both our content libraries and operational capabilities."

Strategic Vision and Growth

Since Oaktree's investment in Shout! Studios in 2023, the company has actively supported Shout!'s aim to expand its content library through acquisitions. Radial is set to continue this trend, as it actively explores mergers and acquisitions to enhance its portfolio. This strategy places Radial Entertainment on a growth trajectory, targeting not only the expansion of its digital streaming channels but also cultivating new content partnerships.

As the entertainment industry shifts rapidly towards digital and on-demand platforms, Radial Entertainment is poised to emerge as a leader. With a robust library, innovative strategies, and a clear focus on audience engagement, it stands ready to redefine how film and television content is viewed and distributed.

About the Companies

• - FilmRise: Founded in 2012 and based in New York, FilmRise operates one of the largest ad-supported streaming portfolios, recognized for its analytics-driven distribution strategies. For more information, visit FilmRise.
• - Shout! Studios: Established as a multidisciplinary media entity focusing on diverse distribution channels, Shout! Studios has built a rich catalog that spans various genres. To learn more, visit Shout Studios.
• - Oaktree Capital Management: As a leading global investment manager, Oaktree specializes in alternative investments, managing assets with a value exceeding $203 billion. Further details can be found at Oaktree.