Noah Media, the London-based production company responsible for acclaimed documentaries such as Netflix’s ’14 Peaks’ and Sky’s ‘Villeneuve Pironi,’ has undergone a restructuring to pivot towards international documentaries. This strategic shift has led to a transition from a staff-based to a more freelance-oriented model, aligning with industry trends in factual production. As part of this restructuring, Noah Media has unfortunately laid off a small number of employees, acknowledging their contributions as exceptional colleagues.
Despite the layoffs, Noah Media remains optimistic about its position in the current market. CEO and co-founder John McKenna emphasized the company’s diverse portfolio of international documentaries currently in production, involving collaborations with renowned figures and partnerships with prominent content creators in the United States. Noah Media’s expertise extends to sports shows and premium documentaries, as evidenced by their work on ’14 Peaks,’ which chronicles the extraordinary climbing feats of a Nepalese mountaineer, as well as projects featuring Ricky Hatton, Arsène Wenger, Jack Charlton, and the England cricket team.
Noah Media’s financial stability is bolstered by a $2.7 million investment secured in 2021 from private investors, including former XIX Entertainment president James Clayton, Hollywood entertainment lawyer Kevin Yorn, and ex-Wired editor David Rowan. Subsequently, the company established a multi-million dollar content fund, further strengthening its financial footing.
The restructuring of Noah Media reflects the evolving landscape of the production industry, characterized by rising production costs and challenging market conditions. In February 2023, Deadline reported that IMG Media, one of the UK’s largest sports producers, had also implemented staff layoffs, underscoring the widespread impact of these industry factors.