Studio Yes Acquired by The Auspicious Group: Expanding Global Creative Services

Key Highlights

• Studio Yes has spent the last decade creating films for the world’s most well-loved brands.
• The Auspicious Group is led by three prominent creative services entrepreneurs from the UK: Co-CEO Rachel Pendered, Co-CEO Barnaby Cook, and Chair Mark Killick.
• The acquisition positions Studio Yes to expand its capabilities into new markets while continuing to represent the highest calibre of film directors and produce best-in-class commercials, brand films, and social content for the world’s leading companies and agencies.
• Alongside Studio Yes, the Auspicious Group has acquired the award-winning US production company Blue Chalk and is launching Auspicious Global, a communications agency.
• The Auspicious Group is a majority female-owned business and aims to provide creative services to blue-chip clients across the world.

London, UK – October 1, 2024 – Studio Yes, a renowned creative film production company, is excited to announce its acquisition by The Auspicious Group, an ambitious new creative services agency headquartered in London. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Studio Yes’s decade-long journey of producing award-winning films for the world’s most beloved brands.

The acquisition positions Studio Yes to expand its capabilities and reach new markets while continuing to represent the highest calibre of film directors and produce best-in-class commercials, brand films, and social content for leading companies and agencies worldwide. Alongside Studio Yes, The Auspicious Group has also acquired the award-winning US production company Blue Chalk and is launching Auspicious Global, a new communications agency.

Sam Ojari, Managing Director of Studio Yes, expressed excitement about the partnership: “We are so excited to be joining The Auspicious Group. The vision the Co-Founders have set out is exciting, and we share their passion, drive, and enthusiasm for creating unique, entertaining content.”

 

Based in London and New York, Studio Yes lives and breathes its mantra of being the world’s most positive film production company. With a commitment to producing films that people genuinely love to watch, Studio Yes is led by Sam Ojari, Dulcie Cowling (Executive Creative Director), and Zoë Waller (Executive Producer). Together, they will continue driving the company forward under the new ownership.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Sam Ojari added: “When we set out in 2013, our vision was to create ridiculously good films, but with a difference. We wanted the filmmaking process to be just as fun and enjoyable as watching the finished product—for both our clients and our people. We’re confident that ethos has contributed to the calibre of clients we’ve worked with, the awards we’ve won, and the reputation we’ve gained. I can’t wait to create more magic.”

 

The Auspicious Group is led by three of the UK’s most experienced creative services entrepreneurs: Co-CEO Rachel Pendered, Co-Founder of Media Zoo Group and former NatWest and Management Today Entrepreneur of the Year; Co-CEO Barnaby Cook, Co-Founder of Casual Films and presenter of The Exit Plan podcast; and Mark Killick, former BBC Creative Director and PRCA Award winner. Grace Cook, a seasoned commercial and partnerships director with over 15 years of experience, serves as a shareholder and board director, solidifying Auspicious as a majority female-owned business.

Commenting on the acquisition and the launch of The Auspicious Group, Barnaby Cook said: “Blue Chalk and Studio Yes are both best in class and each sits in its own creative space. We believe with the collaborative and creative culture we are building, Auspicious will be more than the sum of its parts.”

 

Rachel Pendered added: “We have an extremely talented and experienced team that will deliver exceptional quality work for clients with speed and efficiency. Auspicious is a proud majority female-owned business, and I believe there’s still significant opportunity in viewing the world through the female gaze, with untapped potential in sectors from femtech to finance.”

 

Alongside Studio Yes, The Auspicious Group has acquired Blue Chalk, a US-based production company known for its cinematic non-fiction storytelling. Over the past decade, Blue Chalk has earned over 125 awards and established itself as a leader in capturing authentic human experiences.

The group is also launching Auspicious Global, a specialist communications, digital learning, social, and crisis management agency that has already attracted several blue-chip clients, including an international holdings company and a leading asset manager.

Mark Killick, Auspicious Chair, shared his enthusiasm for the future: “It’s flattering that businesses we’ve worked with in the past are so eager to collaborate again. Global will be the workhorse of the group, and we’re already developing some exciting projects.”

 

About Studio Yes

Studio Yes is a creative film production company specialising in award-winning commercials, corporate films, social media content, and still photography. With offices in London and New York, the team spans producers, creatives, editors, and animators, making them well-equipped to take projects from concept to delivery. Studio Yes works with renowned brands such as Bloomberg, Bacardi, Virgin Holidays, and Nissan, alongside smaller challenger brands like Olio, Cuvva, and Oddbox.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Sam Ojari
sam@studioyes.com

Alex Williams
alex@thisisauspicious.com