Universal Music Group launches Mercury Studios

UMG has launched the studios in London and Los Angeles, and they will work across film, television, podcasts and live performance, among other areas.

Former BBC TV producer Alice Webb will lead Mercury, which includes UMG’s music film production and distribution subsidiary Eagle Rock Entertainment (ERE). Universal acquired ERE in 2014 and last year the company appointed Webb as the CEO.

Mercury will bolster Eagle Rock’s content library and leverage on its core competencies, which include global sales, and home video and digital media distribution. Mercury will continue the work with ERE by filming live performances beginning with live-stream sets. ERE has previously recorded live shows by artists such as The Rolling Stones, Dr Dre and Ella Fitzgerald.

UMG UK chairperson and CEO David Joseph said: “Mercury will be about bold ideas and exciting new talent, but above all compelling visual storytelling, all of which will be demonstrated with the exciting projects we will be announcing over the coming weeks. Music is a world full of the most extraordinary stories, with so many yet to be told.”

UMG’s expansion into audio-visual content creation adds to its growing strategic initiatives. In May, the company launched Def Jam Africa. It also launched its music-inspired hotel chain in partnership with Dakia Global Enterprise in October and, more recently, it opened the 0207 Def Jam label in London.

This year, UMG also inked a multiyear licensing agreement with Spotify ­­­– a deal that is expected to advance the two companies’ efforts to create innovative features and give more value to artists and a better experience to fans.

It has been widely reported that UMG will hold an initial public offering in 2022.