Friday round-up: Latest news, deals & hires

Andrew Tate docuseries set at ID

Investigation Discovery (ID) has ordered a four-part documentary that tracks Andrew Tate's rise as an influencer and examines the allegations of predatory business endeavors that funded the global empire he created with his brother.

Andrew Tate: Toxic Empire will feature access to male followers, insiders, alleged survivors, investigative journalists and extensive archive.

It will roll out over three weeks beginning Wednesday, 25 November on ID in the US , and will also be available to stream on HBO Max.

Julian P. Hobbs, Elli Hakami and Adrian Murray direct and produce for Investigation Discovery.

Sky NZ & Dynamic TV launch scripted scheme

Dynamic Television has partnered with Sky New Zealand and NZ On Air to launch the Aotearoa Scripted Series Initiative.

The scheme is designed to support the development of up to three original New Zealand drama series for domestic and international audiences.

The initiative will offer development funding of up to NZ$75,000 (£31,500) per project, with equal financial contributions from the three partners.

The partnership builds on Dynamic Television’s experience with Ms. X, starring Melissa George. The initiative is open to New Zealand writers and producers developing original one-hour scripted drama series, with applications open on 6 November. More info here. www.nzonair.govt.nz.

Allen Family Capital sells Starz stake

Byron Allen's investment firm Allen Family Capital has sold its stake in Starz Entertainment.

The shares were sold between 9 August and 29 September, six months after Allen said he had acquired an almost 11% stake in the US business.

Starz shares have risen almost 90% across 2026 so far, leaving Allen with a profit of around $20m on his initial investment of around $25m.

US, MENA expansion for Zinc as investment secured 

Zinc Media Group has raised £2m of new investment from its shareholders to fund larger-scale productions.

Aiming to double its turnover this year, the AIM-listed group is pushing for more entertainment formats, branded content and events, particularly as it expands into the US and Middle East.

Despite last month revealing group revenue dropped 42% year-on-year to hit £13.2m for the first six months of this year, revenues are forecast to rise by £9m this year, against a three-year target of £10m. Zinc has averaged 16% growth across the last three years and is on track to grow to over £50m in the next few years.

Zinc, which houses factual labels Red Sauce, Brook Lapping, Supercollider, Rex, Tern TV and Atomic, is backed by investment funds including Ruffer Investments and Herald Investment Trust.