Tinopolis, has acquired Firecracker Films, a producer of factual and factual entertainment programming in the UK and U.S. The transaction follows quickly on the acquisition of Passion Distribution and further supports Tinopolis’ strategy of widening its creative and geographical reach.

Firecracker was founded in 2002 by Mark Soldinger to focus on documentary programming with international sales potential. Firecracker works with broadcasters in the U.S. and the UK and has created shows including Thelma’s Gypsy Girls (C4), The Daredevils (C4), Family Guns (Nat Geo), Unsafe Sex in the City (BBC3) and Last Chance Driving School (AETN) including Channel 4’s Big Fat Gypsy Weddings and in the U.S., Big Fat American Gypsy Weddings (TLC).

CEO Mark Soldinger, Managing Director Sue Oriel, Head of Programmes Jes Wilkins, and Creative Director Jeremy Groman will all become shareholders in the Tinopolis Group while Firecracker’s management and creative team will remain with the business.

Ron Jones, Executive Chairman of Tinopolis, said: “In Firecracker we have acquired a company that is operating at the cutting edge of television on both sides of the Atlantic. Tinopolis continues to build a group of companies that has the range and financial strength to provide the best creative ideas to our customers around the world. Firecracker is an ideal partner for us. Its programmes are already sold in over 100 territories around the world and our distribution platform will help to support its continuing development.”

“We have been conscious for some time of the requirement for a financial and operational partner that will allow us to sustain Firecracker’s rapid growth over the long term. Tinopolis’s existing capabilities and its forward strategy immediately marked it out as our partner of choice and we look forward to working with Ron Jones, Arwel Rees and other senior executives from the wider Group on developing the opportunities ahead,” said Mark Soldinger.