Today, news sources announced that Discovery Communications has acquired London-based independent producer Raw.

Raw, the company behind the Discovery Channel hit show "Gold Rush," creates scripted programming. The company also produced "Locked Up Abroad" for National Geographic and "Paranormal Witness" for NBCUniversal's SyFy.

The deal calls for Raw to expand into scripted programming and push further into high-quality independent films. Discovery has not announced how much they paid for the acquisition, but told Deadline that Raw will “continue to operate independently from its London headquarters” with all of its current staff.

"Discovery is committed to working with the best creatives in the business, and Raw stands apart not only as one of the finest in the U.K., but also one of the best in the world," said Lee Bartlett, president of Discovery Studios and Production Group. "We want Raw to maintain the identity and culture that has allowed them to produce such high-quality programming. We are looking forward to Raw infusing our ever-expanding creative pipeline with compelling stories that will be seen on Discovery’s networks around the world."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, “the deal fits into Discovery’s strategy of ensuring a healthy creative pipeline and diversifying its content creation operations outside the U.S. It comes at a time when other TV networks groups, including Britain's ITV and Germany's ProSiebenSat.1, have also acquired production houses at home and abroad.”

Bartlett said he has promised the companies he acquires “more creative independence than other companies could offer them." The Discovery deal will give Raw an expanded global infrastructure, distribution opportunities and investment resources.

In other recent news, Lionsgate is paying $7 million to pre-buy U.S. distribution rights to "American Ultra," an action comedy film that begins shooting in New Orleans in five weeks. Check out the ScreenCraft post about the news.

Also, don’t miss our recent post, 10 Most Iconic Movie Music Scores.