Former BBC development exec Edward Barnieh’s (pictured) new London-based agency Oware has entered into a first-look deal with Lion Forge Entertainment, the studio behind the hit animated series Iyanu.

The two companies will team up on developing, financing and selling several projects together, with an initial slate that will be showcased in October at MIP Junior and MIPCOM in Cannes. 

Oware and Lion Forge are looking to develop global content geared toward kids & family audiences, as well as YA titles. Barnieh also plans to work closely with Lion Forge to identify emerging talent from around the world.

This collaboration will bridge LA-based Lion Forge’s focus on diverse storytelling and Oware’s mission to elevate content that originates from the “global majority”—reflecting the fact that 85% of the world’s population resides in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Barnieh’s illustrious career has seen him work across APAC and EMEA for media giants like Warner Bros. Discovery, Nickelodeon, Netflix and, most recently, BBC Studios Kids & Family. “His knowledge of the international market and his ability to spot talent and IPs are unmatched in the business, and we look forward to building a successful slate together,” said Lion Forge president and chief creative officer Stephanie Sperber in a release.

Leveraging the international network of contacts he’s built over the years, Barnieh says he will also connect Lion Forge with more global buyers to bolster the studio’s reach. This help will be timely, coinciding with Lion Forge’s latest strategy to make more YA content by mining the digital-first space. The company has already signed on for a TV adaptation of the YouTube series Lostlings, which will begin production later this summer.