Veteran television executive David Ellender announced today the launch of a new global independent television studio, Slingshot Global Media. Formed in partnership with TPG Growth, the middle market and growth equity investment platform of TPG, Slingshot will develop and produce high-quality drama and comedy television programming for the multi-platform U.S. television market. Additionally, the company will identify globally-appealing projects for international co-financing, co-production, and pre-sale deals. As CEO, Ellender will oversee the development, financing, production, and distribution of premium scripted television content for Slingshot. TPG Growth will finance the new venture.
“The proliferation of new distribution channels in the media landscape has given the at-home audience extensive viewing choices thereby driving demand for more quality and talent-driven product,” said Ellender. “Through Slingshot’s multiple arms of production, management, financing and development, Slingshot is dedicated to delivering superior projects to the multiplatform television market, as well as cultivating new talent with these projects, which will aim to set us apart from other independent television studios.”
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Ellender, along with his soon-to-be-appointed senior management team, will work closely with talent to nurture and develop commercial returning series and limited run event programming, which will aim to capitalize on the increased demand for high-quality television programming globally. The company will create programming for traditional broadcast and cable networks, OTT content providers, and premium pay services.
Throughout his 12-year tenure with Fremantle, Ellender, who served as CEO from 2006-2013, helped build the media giant into one of the world’s largest independent TV production houses. In addition to nurturing a diverse range of reality talent and brands from Jamie Oliver, Martha Stewart, “Project Runway,” “Idol,” “Got Talent,” and “X Factor” to the U.K. drama franchise “Merlin,” Ellender guided FremantleMedia Enterprises to a tremendous sales increase and profit growth. He previously held management positions at BBC Worldwide, Viacom International, British Satellite Broadcasting, Flextech, Virgin Vision, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, and Universal Studios Television. He has worked across multiple business lines from international distribution, co-production, brand licensing, consumer products, branded entertainment and sponsorship to home entertainment encompassing all aspects of entertainment. Ellender began his career in entertainment in 1978 filling various roles within the Television Group of the Central Office of Information.
Ellender plans to relocate from his native London in April.
About TPG Growth
TPG Growth is the middle market and growth equity investment platform of TPG, the global private investment firm. With $3.6 billion under management, TPG Growth targets investments in a broad range of industries and geographies, utilizing leveraged buyout, growth equity, and private investment in public equity (PIPE) structures. The firm is backed by the resources of TPG, which has $55.7 billion of assets under management. TPG Growth has offices in the United States, China and India. For more information, visit www.tpggrowth.com.
