Irwin Mitchell Advises Saffron Cherry As Rainmaker Takes Minority Stake

The Corporate team at Irwin Mitchell has advised on a deal which sees Rainmaker Content, the international distributor that specialises in drama, factual and special-event programming, take a minority equity stake in Saffron Cherry Productions.

Based in Manchester, Saffron Cherry produces television, cinematic film and digital short-form content across the scripted and non-scripted genres.

Recent hits include ‘The Madame Blanc Mysteries’, starring Sally Lindsay and Steve Edge for Channel 5 and Acorn TV, made in co-production with Clapperboard Studios. Saffron Cherry’s Creative Director the actor Sally Lindsay also created and co-writes The Madame Blanc Mysteries. The company also make the multi award winning children’s show, ‘The World According to Grandpa’ starring Don Warrington, for Channel 5’s Milkshake!

Graham Begg, founder and co-chief executive officer of Rainmaker Content will join Saffron Cherry’s board as part of the deal.

Over the last year, Rainmaker and Saffron Cherry have worked together on a number of returning drama series, which they will now bring to market. In-development highlights include ‘Blurred’; ‘The Dales Detective Agency’; and ‘Fit for a Queen’.

Caroline Roberts-Cherry, founder and managing director of Saffron Cherry added: “Rainmaker’s commitment will allow Saffron Cherry to get where we want to be faster; it was important to Martin, Sally and I to partner with a company who ‘got us’ and who recognise the power of authentic storytelling. We look forward to this next exciting chapter."

Vicky Zivkovic, Corporate partner at Irwin Mitchell, advised Saffron Cherry.

Expert Opinion

“Our Media & Entertainment team works with Saffron Cherry, providing specialist commercial legal advice in relation to the production of a number of successful series including ‘The World According To Grandpa’ and ‘The Madame Blanc Mysteries’. It has been great to work with the team on this deal as it marks an important milestone for the business and will provide the springboard for future success.” Vicky Zivkovic, Corporate partner at Irwin Mitchell

Greg Phillips, founder and co-chief executive officer of Rainmaker Content, said: “In today’s challenging climate, creative companies need a mix of talent, commercial acumen and strong relationships if they are to be sustainable. Over the last year, it’s become clear that Rainmaker and Saffron Cherry not only have complementary skills, visions and voices, but that, working together, we can go further and achieve greater. Our investment in Saffron Cherry recognises that and signals our ambition to continue to deliver fresh and engaging shows."