GECs
Fremantle acquires majority stake in Element Pictures
Mumbai: Television format creator, producer and distributor Fremantle has acquired a majority stake in film and drama production company Element Pictures. Working across production, distribution, and exhibition, Element Pictures is managed by co-founders Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe, with offices in Dublin, London, and Belfast. It is an independent production company and has made “Normal People,” Academy Award-winning films “The Favourite” and “Room” and the new TV series “Conversations With Friends.”
The deal was spearheaded by Fremantle’s Group COO, and Continental Europe CEO, Andrea Scrosati and Lorenzo De Maio, of De Maio Entertainment. The acquisition further underlines its strategic plan to invest in and develop premium production companies and creative talents from around the world.
Element Pictures upcoming television productions include “Conversations With Friends,” based on Sally Rooney’s novel. The 12-part series was developed and produced by Element Pictures, directed by Lenny Abrahamson and Leanne Welham, co-written by Alice Birch and will premiere on BBC and Hulu on 15 May, and will roll out globally soon after. This follows Element Pictures’ adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel “Normal People.”
Speaking on the latest development, Guiney and Lowe said, “Element Pictures is 21 years old this year and it is incredibly exciting for us and our wonderful colleagues to be entering a new and ambitious phase of growth in partnership with our friends at Fremantle at a truly exhilarating time for our industry. We are huge fans of the people at Fremantle, their vision for the future and the extraordinary talent they are working with across film and television. Collaborating closely with Jen, Andrea, Lorenzo, Christian, Jens, and their brilliant team will allow us to build on and grow our existing relationships with the very best creators in the world and expand our capacity to make exceptional film and television drama for international audiences.”
Scrosati said, “Fremantle is proud to invest and partner with the very best creative minds in the business. Ed, Andrew, and the amazing Element Pictures team certainly fall into this category. They have built an astonishing company, which has become one of Europe’s most exciting and innovative creative production companies. We look forward to working closely with their immensely talented creatives, helping to build on their slate of high-quality, sophisticated, and powerful productions. Creative freedom will sit at the very heart of this partnership, and everyone at Fremantle is excited to be working with the Element Pictures team and supporting their growth internationally.”
Last August, RTL Group announced its aim to increase Fremantle’s full-year revenue target to € three billion by 2025.
Element Pictures current television production includes “The Gallows Pole” (BBC/A24), a BBC period drama from director Shane Meadows and Nancy Harris’ eight-part comedy-drama “The Dry” (BritBox/RTE/ITV Studios/Screen Ireland). Previous television includes the co-production of “The Dublin Murders” with the Fremantle-backed Euston Films.
Current films in post-production include Sebastián Lelio’s “The Wonder” (Netflix), with actor Florence Pugh; Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” (Searchlight Pictures) starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe; Stephen William’s historical biopic “Chevalier” (Searchlight Pictures) starring Kelvin Harrison Jr, and Joanna Hogg’s “The Eternal Daughter” (BBC Films/A24) starring Tilda Swinton.
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
