Bomanbridge Media acquires Arcadia catalogue and partners to build global IP Pipeline

Singapore/UK-based global production and distribution company Bomanbridge Media and Canadian production powerhouse Arcadia Entertainment are putting a new spin on the traditional library acquisition deal, combining the international exploitation of a 500-hour factual catalogue with financing, development and co-production of new IP.

Under a multi-year agreement, Bomanbridge has invested in the exclusive international distribution rights to Arcadia’s 500-hour robust evergreen high-quality catalogue, spanning wildlife, history, science and technology. The initial five-year term covers all media, with a particular focus on international digital sales and new commercial opportunities across streaming platforms, AVOD, FAST, educational and emerging media. Canada-only sales will remain under Arcadia’s control.

The partnership goes beyond catalogue distribution. Bomanbridge will leverage its global distribution, financing and co-production network to unlock new value from Arcadia’s library while supporting future development and production, with exclusive first-right opportunities on future Arcadia projects. Together, the companies aim to create a continuing pipeline linking catalogue exploitation with new IP development and international co-production.

The first joint development project, How We Got, is a 10 x 60’ returnable science and technology series launching with lead Canadian streaming broadcaster Blue Ant Media. Bomanbridge is providing financial and creative development support and Arcadia will produce the series for Blue Ant, creating an international project from the outset rather than taking it to market only after completion. Bomanbridge’s investment in How We Got demonstrates the partnership’s broader model: combining catalogue exploitation with development, financing and production to build international value from both established and new IP.

How We Got explores the unexpected connections, reinventions and revivals that have shaped the modern world, revealing how yesterday’s inventions and technological breakthroughs continue to define our lives today. For example, the rare earth elements used in mobile phones have a cosmic history reaching back to the material and collisions that helped shape the early Earth. Space is in our phones!

The partnership reflects a growing East-West approach to international content financing, pairing Arcadia’s Canadian production base and deep factual catalogue with Bomanbridge’s Singapore and London-based distribution, financing and co-production network. The companies see the catalogue not simply as a sales library, but as a source of IP, remakes and subsequent formats as well development opportunities for new international projects.

Sonia Fleck, CEO of Bomanbridge Media, said: 'Investing into our partnership with John Wesley and Arcadia provides a strong opportunity to build a long-term strategy around this evergreen catalogue, generating new digital revenue, in addition to a smart collaboration on new IP development and co-productions. The opportunity to support How We Got from the development and production stage is an important first step in that broader vision and reflects Bomanbridge’s role as a collaborative partner with producers as we navigate increasingly complex funding models. We are particularly pleased that Blue Ant Media believes in the project enough to jump on board with the series for Canada before completion'.

John Wesley Chisholm, President & Creative Director, Arcadia Entertainment, said: 'I’m proud to be working in Canada right now and connecting Canada’s creative capabilities with Asian, European, and world markets that have been so interested in our shows over the last 25 years. With Bomanbridge, we have a perfect partner who matches our enthusiasm for what comes next: stories the world loves, told in new ways from new perspectives. Together, we will share our best work from the last 25 years and surprising new stories with wonder-filled, curious audiences around the world'.

Carl Hall, Chief Creative, Bomanbridge Media, said: 'I have known John Wesley for over 20 years, and we have over that time produced together many great series and specials in the action and adventure and history fields. How We Got is our latest and a thank you to Blue Ant for their support'.