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Jeff Zucker-backed Everwonder Studio has a stake in Next of Kin Content, which will focus on live event, documentaries and unscripted TV.
By Etan Vlessing
Canada Bureau Chief
Sam Wrench, who directed Taylor Swift’s blockbuster concert tour film, is opening his own production company, Next of Kin Content, with Jeff Zucker-backed Ever Wonder Studio as a financial backer and joint venture partner.
After the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour film had a global box office haul of $267 million, opening the way for a concert film boom in Hollywood, Wrench has opened the doors on his own production venture focused on culture-driven live event, documentary and unscripted programming.
Terms of the investment by EverWonder Studio were not disclosed, but the content venture now has backing from Jeff Zucker’s led RedBird IMI. Next of Kin Content plans to create tentpole live specials and traditional formats in music and other genres. Wrench has also directed Grammy and Emmy-nominated music specials, including Billie Eilish Live at the O2 for Apple TV+, and Lizzo: Live in Concert and Brandi Carlile: In the Canyon Haze Live for Max.
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“Sam is exceptionally well-versed across a range of genres and styles, and his work consistently drives the beat of pop culture,” said EverWonder Studio President Mike Antinoro of Wrench. The director, who will also helm the upcoming concert film Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration, welcomed the tie-up with EverWonder Studio.
“I’ve long enjoyed working with Mike and am excited by the scale, ambition and support Ian and the team at EverWonder have shown. Whether directing or producing, I love telling big, noisy stories that cut through regardless of genre; Next of Kin Content will be the perfect home for me and our partners to make that a reality,” Wrench said.
EverWonder Studio is led by producer and executive Ian Orefice and focuses on nonfiction content with global appeal.
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