Endeavor Content Launches U.K. Content Studio The Story Company, Led By Lookout Point and BBC Studios Alums
Endeavor Content continues to bolster its footing in the U.K. market with a new content studio led by some of the country’s top drama producers.
Based out of London, The Story Company will be helmed by former Lookout Point executive Damian Keogh as CEO, ex-BBC Worldwide content chief Helen Jackson as executive chair and Lookout Point founder Simon Vaughan as executive director.
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Joining the Story Company board as non-executive directors are Jonathan Norman (MD at global investment bank GCA Altium) and Chris Rice (co-president of Endeavor Content).
The outfit will look to help acquire rights, commission scripts, package projects and manage the sales process. It will both partner with other production entities, as well as work directly with both established and emerging creators and writers.
Crucially, The Story Company will also make equity investments itself into other content businesses, ranging from start-ups to more established producers, positioning itself as a potential new superindie force out of the U.K. Ultimately, it will combine a range of creative partnerships into a boutique portfolio, with a focus on driving global projects out of the U.K. market. Endeavor Content previously backed former Channel 4 executive Simon Maxwell’s Motive Pictures out of the U.K.
Founders Keogh, Jackson and Vaughan have a storied history of working together.
Keogh and Vaughan were both at “Les Miserables” producer Lookout Point, with Jackson on the board on behalf of BBC Studios (then BBC Worldwide), which backs the company. Jackson left BBC Studios in 2019 before it was officially called as such, following the merger of the distribution and production arms. Meanwhile, Norman served as an advisor to Lookout Point from start-up through to its final sale to BBC Studios. The production company’s recent credits include “A Suitable Boy,” “Gentleman Jack” and “War and Peace.”
“We are carefully crafting a welcoming and exciting company, specifically for U.K. creative talent. Inspired by our passion for storytelling, we want to build a patient, flexible and ambitious home where our talent partners can thrive,” said Keogh. “With Endeavor Content behind us, we are supported by a creative global powerhouse that shares our ambitions and will provide the support and resources we need.”
Vaughan added: “It’s a thrill to be putting the ‘band back together’ and to fill a gap in the market for independent creatives who want us to help them to get their projects made, as well as for creatives within established media groups who may wish to use our skills. We are that truly independent partner who can bring insight and impetus across the platform landscape.”
Jackson said: “Having experienced the growth of the indie sector through my time at the BBC, it is exciting to now bring a globally-focused opportunity to the U.K. sector, whilst remaining a fierce champion of British creativity. We believe that the strength of this team and the impact we can have for our talent partners is second to none.”
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