Insight TV buys Off The Fence

Producer-distributor Off The Fence (OTF) has been saved from bankruptcy after media company Insight TV secured a deal to buy the British-Dutch company. 

Amsterdam-based Insight, a global channel group and FAST streaming specialist in factual and lifestyle programming, has acquired the My Octopus Teacher outfit which entered bankruptcy proceedings in June after it and sole shareholder ZDF Studios were unable to get the company on a firm financial footing. 

Insight’s deal encapsulates OTF’s distribution business and library, expanding its footprint in premium factual programming, while keeping its distinct brand. Certain key staff have been retained and roles integrated into Insight’s commercial, legal, and acquisitions teams. 

However, owing to its evolving third-party and co-production model, Insight is discontinuing OTF’s in-house production arm, with a number of roles impacted. OTF’s website counts nine production staff.  

It brings the curtain down on a division which had a high point with Oscar-winning Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher, and whose credits also include BBC/France Télévisions blue-chip natural history film Silverback, its National Geographic strand Destination Wild, and the …From Above series, which aired across a range of broadcasters.   

Insight said: “both companies are working closely with those affected – with a focus on long-term opportunity, not reduction”. 

Chief executive Viktoriia Tkachenko added: “Both Insight TV and Off the Fence were founded on a shared belief in the transformative power of storytelling and are aligned in their mission to deliver visually stunning, emotionally resonant content to global audiences.  

“We’re happy to share that Off the Fence will continue to operate as a distinct brand within the same group, serving as a springboard for further growth, collaboration and innovation. 

“Having worked closely together since 2020, particularly across our INWILD and INTRAVEL channels, this move deepens our shared commitment to delivering premium factual content on a global scale.” 

OTF chief executive Bo Stehmeier said: “The move brings together clear complementary aspects of both businesses that are crucial in an adapting media environment. In the very near future, we will be able to offer a complete set of services and partnerships for the factual storytelling community, its audiences and brands.  

“Like OTF, Insight TV is passionate about connecting global audiences through inspiring narratives and authentic real-life content.”