Fremantle’s strategic shift: Euston Films and Undeniable face layoffs
A new direction for Fremantle
In a significant move, Fremantle has decided to lay off all staff at its drama production house, Euston Films, and its documentary label, Undeniable. This decision is part of Fremantle’s ongoing strategic planning to create a more effective, coordinated, and streamlined approach to its business. The goal is to ensure the company is well-positioned for future success and growth while continuing to deliver exceptional creativity and world-class content for its partners and clients globally.
“As our industry evolves, we must do the same,” a Fremantle representative stated. “We have made the difficult decision to make changes within Fremantle. We want to take this time to thank our colleagues, who have been behind some incredible, award-winning programming, and wish them all the best for the future.”
The uncertain future of Euston Films and Undeniable
While the layoffs have been confirmed, the future of Euston Films and Undeniable remains uncertain. Despite having no staff, the labels have not been officially shuttered. This leaves a question mark over what will happen next for these once-thriving production houses.
Euston Films: A legacy of iconic productions
Euston Films, known for series like Wreck and the upcoming Nightsleeper, has a storied history. Founded in 1971 as a subsidiary of Thames Television, it produced classic shows such as “The Sweeney” before closing in 1994. Fremantle, which acquired Thames in 2001, revived Euston Films in 2014 under the leadership of managing director Kate Harwood.
Undeniable: A brief but impactful journey
Undeniable, launched just last March under Fremantle’s global head of documentaries Mandy Chang, aimed to develop and produce premium documentary projects. Despite its short lifespan, the label has already made a mark with documentaries like Chris Smith’s Devo, about the new wave band, and Penny Lane’s Mrs. America, focusing on the beauty pageant.
Reflections from departing leaders
Kate Harwood, Noemi Spanos, and Mandy Chang are among those leaving Fremantle. Harwood and Spanos expressed their gratitude in a joint statement:
“We are very proud of the seven bold authored shows we have made in this time and are looking forward to future projects and challenges.”
Chang also shared her thoughts on her departure:
“I’m proud to have played a role in setting up and building Fremantle’s documentary division and in founding and leading the Fremantle’s premium label, Undeniable. However, the time has come to move on and focus on my own slate of films in the independent documentary field.”
The broader impact on the industry
This move by Fremantle reflects broader trends in the entertainment industry, where companies are continually adapting to changing market conditions and audience preferences. The layoffs at Euston Films and Undeniable highlight the challenges faced by production houses in maintaining their operations amidst evolving industry dynamics.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this news is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of content creation. The legacy of Euston Films and the promising start of Undeniable serve as testaments to the creativity and innovation that drive the industry forward. As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how these changes influence the types of stories that reach our screens.
Looking ahead
While the immediate future for Euston Films and Undeniable is uncertain, the talent and creativity that have defined these labels will undoubtedly find new avenues. For fans of their work, this is a time to reflect on the impactful stories they have brought to life and to look forward to the new projects that their former leaders will undoubtedly pursue.
In the world of entertainment, change is the only constant. As Fremantle navigates this transition, the industry watches closely, anticipating the next wave of innovative content that will capture our imaginations and hearts.