See-Saw Films sells a majority stake to Mediawan
ACF Investment Bank is pleased to announce that it has advised See-Saw Films – producer of Slow Horses, Heartstopper, Apple Cider Vinegar, and The King’s Speech – on its sale to Mediawan.
See-Saw Films was founded in 2008 by Joint CEO’s Emile Sherman and Iain Canning and is renowned for its impressive range of talent relationships and for producing a string of audacious, iconic and beloved TV and film successes.
The company is one of the most highly regarded premium drama producers in the UK and Australia and this strategic partnership sets it up for its ambitious next stage of growth, having enjoyed a record period of creative and commercial success over the last three years with a string of hit global TV shows. This deal fuels See-Saw’s ability to secure and retain IP, and provides access to Mediawan’s finance and sales capabilities as well as co-production opportunities with Mediawan’s high quality stable of production companies.
This acquisition also reinforces Mediawan’s continued global expansion, and its ambition to cultivate rich and diverse talent and premium productions across all genres and formats. By strengthening its international presence, Mediawan will continue to create powerful stories, build iconic content and establish renowned franchises for all audiences worldwide.
See-Saw Films
Founded in 2008, See-Saw Films is a multifaceted, global production powerhouse with a management team that are some of the most highly regarded entertainment executives in the industry. They include Co-Founders and Joint CEOs Iain Canning and Emile Sherman, Joint Managing Directors, Simon Gillis and Helen Gregory, and head of TV and Film, Australia, Liz Watts.
The company has offices in London and Sydney, with an international footprint in Europe and Australasia.
Recent releases include Netflix chart-topping Apple Cider Vinegar and Heartstopper season 3, Season 4 Apple TV+ subscriber -driver Slow Horses, and Sky’s second-highest-rated drama commission of 2024, Sweetpea.
See-Saw’s previous landmark series and feature films include Top of the Lake created and directed by Jane Campion, State of the Union written by Nick Hornby,The King’s Speech directed by Tom Hooper, One Life starring Anthony Hopkins, The Power of the Dog written and directed by Academy Award® winner Jane Campion and Lion directed by Garth Davis.
See-Saw has produced almost 100 hours of high-end drama and 16 seasons of returning programming for streamers, and broadcasters including Apple TV+, Netflix, AMC, BBC, Foxtel, Sky, Starz, and feature films for A24, Amazon Prime, Lionsgate, Netflix, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros.
See-Saw has won 5 Oscars, 13 Emmys, 5 Golden Globes, 15 BAFTAs, and 27 AACTAs for television and film productions.
In March 2024, See-Saw Films announced their partnership with Michael Ende Productions to develop and produce live action films adapted from Michael Ende’s novel The Neverending Story.
Alongside an in-house sales agency Cross City Films, See-Saw has two joint venture production companies, Picking Scabs with writer/showrunner Samantha Strauss (Apple Cider Vinegar), I Am That with creator/director Garth Davis (Lion); an in-house label fanboy run by Heartstopper executive producer Patrick Walters; and is an investor in Tom Winchester’s TV company, Pure Fiction TV, alongside talent agency Hamilton Hodell.
Mediawan
Mediawan was founded in France and is led by Pierre-Antoine Capton.
The company has grown over the years into a home for more than 80 of the most talented production companies around the world, each with its own unique identity, and today is the premier European independent studio.
Mediawan’s European roots shape who they are, but their vision extends globally. They operate in 13 countries across Europe, Africa, America, and Asia. They produce content across all genres, film, animation, documentaries, fiction, and unscripted, always with an exigence for quality and creativity.
Mediawan bring stories to life and are proud to be the creators of original, strong brands such as Miraculous, HIP, HIT THE MIC!, Call My Agent, and The Agency and to produce fantastic creative and innovative content like Beetlejuice, Beating Hearts, The Count of Monte Cristo, Three-Body Problem, One Day or School of Magical Animals.
Their mission is to craft narratives that resonate with global audiences. Mediawan stands as a powerhouse, integrating production, distribution, as well as broadcasting and diversification activities.
Mediawan has built a company where the world’s best creatives can realize their boldest visions because they believe that outstanding stories come from unique talent.
Film & Television Highlights





Co-Founder & CEO
See-Saw Films

Co-Founder & CEO
See-Saw Films

Joint Managing Director
See-Saw Films

Joint Managing Director
See-Saw Films
“It has been a pleasure working with Thomas, Milos and the ACF team as they’ve expertly guided us on the most important transaction of our careers. They have been with us every step of the way, supporting our creative and commercial aspirations, and helping us find the perfect home for the next stage of See-Saw’s journey”
Emile Sherman & Iain Canning, Co-Founders, See Saw Films

“It has been a real honor and privilege to work with this world class management team and company. It is rare to find such a blend of success across so many different areas of entertainment. I look forward to seeing the relationship between See-Saw and Mediawan grow and am very happy to have found them such a strong partner. Fantastic deal – very happy”
Thomas Dey, Chief Executive Officer, ACF Investment Bank
“Absolutely thrilled to have helped See-Saw Films find the perfect partner. See-Saw Films is a powerhouse with accolades across film and TV that has one of the most intelligent and creatively driven management teams at its helm. It has been a real pleasure and privilege to work with all of them on this transaction. I am looking forward to seeing this partnership develop, grow and continue to create award-winning content that connects with audiences across the world”
Milos Perovic, Director, ACF Investment Bank
