Historic RKO Studio, replete with its rich legacy, has been purchased by Concord Originals, granting them exclusive rights to all derivative works.
Concord Originals, a leading name in music and theater, has acquired RKO Pictures, marking a significant expansion into the film industry. The strategic plan for the new acquisition centers on leveraging RKO's extensive library of over 5,000 classic titles, including King Kong and Citizen Kane, to develop remakes, sequels, stage adaptations, unproduced screenplays, and related derivative content.
Collaborative Management and Content Development
Sophia Dilley, head of Concord Originals, and Mary Beth O’Connor, current RKO President, have been appointed Co-Presidents of RKO under Concord Originals. They will jointly run RKO with Concord’s backing, operating RKO as a distinct imprint under Concord Originals.
The plan includes developing a broad slate of new content based on RKO’s film library. This includes remakes and sequels for film and TV, stage adaptations for theater, and projects derived from unproduced RKO screenplays.
Reviving Classic RKO Films and Expanding into Multiple Platforms
A key aspect of the strategy is restoring and reissuing classic RKO films. Projects such as beautifully remastered 4K releases are planned to revive interest and value in the vintage catalog. The plan also addresses multiple entertainment platforms and audiences, aiming to pair Concord Originals’ expertise in adapting music and theater IP with RKO’s rich film heritage.
Ongoing Development and Industry Partnerships
Currently, RKO has seven titles in active development across genres. The website, which tracks global Film & TV projects, partners, and deals, is a valuable resource for finding vendors, financiers, commissioners, licensors, and licensees. Industry briefings, trusted by leaders, are also available on the website.
Non-members can apply for membership on the website to access the contact list. Concord CEO Bob Valentine stated the acquisition widens Concord's foothold in film, television, and theatrical rights.
Upcoming Projects and Events
One immediate priority is the stage adaptation of Top Hat, opening this summer in Chichester, with a UK tour planned later this year. There are also Global TV+Film Productions Reviews available for August and July on the website.
Events on Micro-Dramas & Mobile-First Storytelling and Watch Time Wars: YouTube’s Expansion and Strategic Implications for SVOD are also scheduled, offering insights into the evolving world of streaming and content creation.
With this comprehensive content development and restoration initiative spanning film, television, stage, and digital realms, Concord Originals aims to maximize the value of the RKO brand and its storied intellectual property.
Finance in the new Concord Originals-RKO partnership will involve both entities leveraging RKO's historical film library to develop content across multiple platforms in business, ranging from remakes and sequels for movies and TV, stage adaptations, and projects derived from unproduced screenplays in entertainment.
The strategy for this program also includes reviving classic RKO films through initiatives like beautiful 4K remasters and working with various industry partners to further expand their reach in film, television, and theater.
