Philip Barantini and Samantha Beddoe Form Strategic Partnership with Avalon
In a significant move for their production company, It’s All Made Up Productions, director Philip Barantini and co-executive producer Samantha Beddoe have successfully negotiated the sale of a minority stake to Avalon, a prominent player in the U.K. talent management and production landscape, known for projects like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Catastrophe.
The partnership, which has been in the works since last year, represents a strategic alliance between a burgeoning independent studio and the largest independent production house in the U.K. Avalon stated that this collaboration is aimed at fostering unique creative talent in the industry.
While the financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, Barantini and Beddoe are poised to leverage Avalon’s extensive resources to enhance their production capabilities. They currently maintain an office in London and plan to establish a new office in their hometown of Liverpool. Their development slate is ambitious, featuring television dramas, films, and documentaries intended for major networks, streaming platforms, and studios across both the U.K. and U.S.
“We’re dedicated to highlighting underrepresented voices and stories,” Barantini and Beddoe affirmed as they outlined their commitment to creativity in their projects. According to Beddoe, “We are an independent company that prioritizes creativity, collaborating with top talents to create impactful dramas, films, and documentaries with global outreach. Partnering with Avalon allows us to elevate our endeavors to new heights.”
Barantini echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our goal is to tell compelling, thought-provoking stories through film and television on a grand scale. This partnership with Avalon symbolizes our passion for the industry and our roots, and we believe it will propel us to new heights.”
Avalon CEO Laura Kennedy praised Barantini and Beddoe’s exceptional talent and vision, expressing excitement about the opportunity to support their growth. “They are incredibly gifted producers with outstanding creative insights. We are eager to collaborate with them as they expand their company,” Kennedy stated.
Philip Barantini, before stepping into the director’s chair, built a notable career in acting, featuring in acclaimed series like Band of Brothers and Chernobyl, as well as films such as Ned Kelly. His directorial credits include the critically acclaimed Boiling Point and various productions for the BBC and ITV.
Samantha Beddoe, on the other hand, began her journey in production finance, managing budgets for significant studios such as Disney and Lucasfilm. As an executive producer on Boiling Point and co-producer of Accused for Netflix, her diverse experience also includes financial roles in major productions such as What’s Love Got to Do With It and The Acolyte.