Entertainment <\/p>\n
\n\tEXCLUSIVE: <\/strong>Fremantle<\/a> is closing Don\u2019t Pick up the Phone <\/em>maker Wag Entertainment<\/a>\u2019s production arm, with MD Steven Green<\/a> exiting after 26 years.<\/p>\n \n\tFremantle acquired Wag last year when it bought owner Asacha Media Group<\/a> and we understand the move comes as part of ongoing strategic planning related to Asacha. Wag Entertainment\u2019s distribution arm, which is run by Janice Strangward, is staying put, and Wag\u2019s IP remains with Fremantle. Green is leaving along with co-founder Eliya Arman, creative director Bridget Boseley, production boss Kate Gibbard and production manager Kelly Hood. Layoffs are in the single figures, we are told.<\/p>\n \n\tAcross nearly 30 years, Wag has been a prolific British documentary producer. Credits include Science Channel\u2019s\u00a0What On Earth?<\/em>, Paramount+\u2019s Don\u2019t Date Brandon,<\/em> Prime Video\u2019s Murderer Behind the Mask <\/em>and Netflix-Paramount+\u2019s Don\u2019t Pick up the Phone. <\/em>The latter came via an innovative streaming model that saw Paramount+ take UK rights and Netflix rest of world. Upcoming, Wag\u2019s Secrets of the Conclave <\/em>airs on the BBC in a week\u2019s time.<\/p>\n \n\tWag was acquired by Asacha in 2021<\/a>, at which point founder Martin Durkin left and was replaced by Green. Fremantle has been strategizing over the future of Asacha since it bought the firm in 2024 and both Asacha founders have since exited. <\/a><\/p>\n \n\tGreen said the Wag team \u201cleaves on a high\u201d after making projects during the past year for Amazon, Paramount+ and a trio of British broadcasters. \u201cEveryone at Wag is proud of what we\u2019ve achieved, and this year\u2019s success, as well as the success of the past two and half decades, is all down to the many talented people we\u2019ve worked with,\u201d he added. \u201cSo on behalf of Eliya, Bridget, Kate and Kelly, a heartfelt thank you to all the freelancers and staffers, past and present, for 26 brilliant years.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tFremantle UK CEO Amelia Brown said: \u201cWe would like to say a huge thank you to\u00a0Steven\u00a0and the team for their incredible work and achievements.\u00a0Wag has made great contributions to Fremantle since its successful integration under Asacha Media Group<\/a> last year. We wish all the team at WAG the very best in their future endeavours.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tAsacha, and now Fremantle, owns the likes of Death in Paradise <\/em>producer Red Planet Pictures, Magic of Disney\u2019s Animal Kingdom\u00a0<\/em>maker Arrow and\u00a0<\/em>Oscar-nominated\u00a0Les Mis\u00e9rables<\/em>\u00a0producer SRAB. Fremantle owner RTL previously said the super-indie spent more than \u20ac200M ($234M) on Asacha and 80% of Singapore\u2019s Beach House Pictures in 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\tWatch on Deadline\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n