Historic RKO Studio Acquired by Concord Originals, Granting Complete Rights to Derivative Works
In a significant move, Concord Originals, a premier IP-driven content studio, has recently acquired RKO Pictures - one of Hollywood's foundational studios known for its iconic globe logo and legendary films like King Kong, Citizen Kane, and It's a Wonderful Life.
The acquisition widens Concord's foothold in film, television, and theatrical rights, and grants them derivative rights to over 5,000 classic titles, including Alfred Hitchcock's Suspicion. RKO will continue as a distinct imprint under Concord Originals, co-led by Sophia Dilley and Mary Beth O’Connor.
Ted Hartley, the long-time owner of RKO, transitions to Chairman Emeritus of RKO and will serve as lead producer and storyteller. Meanwhile, Hartley is also launching Roseblood Pictures to focus on original programming and literary adaptations.
Concord Originals plans to revive RKO's legendary film catalog through a combination of reissues, new productions, and adaptations. This strategy indicates an emphasis on both honoring RKO's legacy and tapping into contemporary audiences through new adaptations and expanded exploitation of the brand’s properties.
No detailed titles or specific upcoming projects have been publicly disclosed beyond this strategic approach, but the acquisition gives Concord a broad slate of content for planned expansion in film and TV production.
RKO currently has seven titles in active development across genres. One immediate priority is the stage adaptation of Top Hat, opening this summer in Chichester, with a UK tour planned later this year.
As part of the acquisition, Concord Originals has also opened its storefront for clients to visit. The website provides information on who's creating and buying in the next wave of short-form storytelling, as well as industry briefings trusted by leaders.
Moreover, the website tracks global Film & TV projects, partners, and deals, and offers events such as a Micro-Dramas & Mobile-First Storytelling event, and a Watch Time Wars event discussing YouTube's expansion and its implications for SVOD. In July and August, Global TV+Film Productions Reviews are available.
To access the contact list of Concord Originals, one needs to apply on the website. As we move forward, it's exciting to see how Concord will breathe new life into RKO's classic library and continue the studio's rich legacy in film and television.
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