Whisper Films invests in design agency Chapter 3 Graphics

Whisper Films, the sports TV production company, has bought a majority stake in Chapter 3 Graphics, a London-based design agency that specialises in broadcast motion graphics, live event graphics and title sequences.

Chapter 3 Graphics is run by Will Butcher, who has more than 20 years’ experience within the motion graphics industry. His company has produced work for Formula 1 for rights-holder Formula One Management, the US Open on Amazon and the Winter Paralympics, W Series and Women’s Euros on Channel 4.

Whisper Films has invested in Chapter 3 Graphics to enable it to “develop and diversify into other areas, beyond sport and branded content,” the company said. Within the partnership, Chapter 3 Graphics will remain free to work with other competitive companies, as suits its business.

From Chapter 3 Graphics’ perspective, Butcher has partnered with Whisper to “draw on its significant reach and expertise in the industry, as well as its impressive and expanding infrastructure and facilities.”

Whisper Films’ stake is more than 50% but less than 75% with Butcher retaining a stake of more than 25% but not more than 50%, according to Companies House records.

Discussing the deal, Butcher said: “I’ve worked closely with Whisper over the last eight years and love the ethos of the company; it’s always exciting to be involved in their productions.

“A partnership is a fantastic opportunity for Chapter 3, but more than that, it very much feels like a natural progression. Whisper attracts the best in the industry and to be able to draw on that expertise and experience is something I am very excited about. At the same time, it’s great that Chapter 3 Graphics will remain a business in its own right; we have clients beyond Whisper and we will certainly be looking to retain and increase those as we continue to develop.”

“It’s great to partner with Will and his team,” added Whisper Films chief executive Sunil Patel who is now a director of Chapter 3 Graphics Ltd.

“Chapter 3 Graphics is a very strong addition to the Whisper set-up. Their talent is significant; the team is slick, creative, delivers beyond expectation and their ambition and drive is very much on a par with our own. It’s a great first partnership for Whisper; there is a lot to look forward to.”

Whisper Films’ current sports and live events portfolio includes Formula 1, Rugby World Cup, Women’s Six Nations, SailGP, W Series, Women’s Super League and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.