Exclusive: Hat Trick Productions, the storied British production company behind Derry Girls and Have I Got News For You, is courting sale talks.
Co-founded by Jimmy Mulville in 1986, Hat Trick has been a bastion of truly independent UK producers but is now entertaining interest from groups including All3Media and Fremantle.
The company has not formally declared it is up for sale and has not engaged the services of an M&a broker, but Deadline hears that it has recently held promising conversations with potential suitors.
Mulville has toyed with the idea of selling in the past, most recently in 2018, when he compared the process to a real estate agent valuing a house. Four years on, sources said there had been a flurry of interest in Hat Trick amid the success of shows including bomb squad drama Trigger Point.
Three sources said that All3Media, the super producer owned by Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global,...
Co-founded by Jimmy Mulville in 1986, Hat Trick has been a bastion of truly independent UK producers but is now entertaining interest from groups including All3Media and Fremantle.
The company has not formally declared it is up for sale and has not engaged the services of an M&a broker, but Deadline hears that it has recently held promising conversations with potential suitors.
Mulville has toyed with the idea of selling in the past, most recently in 2018, when he compared the process to a real estate agent valuing a house. Four years on, sources said there had been a flurry of interest in Hat Trick amid the success of shows including bomb squad drama Trigger Point.
Three sources said that All3Media, the super producer owned by Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global,...
- 12/14/2022
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Discovery And Foxtel Strike Multi-Year Partnership
Discovery and Australian network Foxtel have unveiled a multi-year partnership that will see Foxtel supplied with thousands of hours of content from TLC, Investigation Discovery, Discovery Turbo and Animal Planet. Subscribers will be able to access the likes of Outback Opal Hunters, Aussie Gold Hunters and Gold Rush on Foxtel and streamer Binge, with a range of box-sets included as part of the deal. The move extends a pre-existing partnership between the two outfits, which Foxtel Group Chief Content and Commercial Officer Amanda Laing said will “enable us to deliver even more of the world’s best factual, documentary and reality content.” Foxtel Media has also renewed its agreement as the exclusive Australian advertising partner for Discovery, Inc.
BBC Commissions Celebrity ‘Unbreakable’ Format And Airport Doc
BBC One has commissioned Unbreakable, a celebrity competition format putting couples to the test, along with a Heathrow Airport doc series.
Discovery and Australian network Foxtel have unveiled a multi-year partnership that will see Foxtel supplied with thousands of hours of content from TLC, Investigation Discovery, Discovery Turbo and Animal Planet. Subscribers will be able to access the likes of Outback Opal Hunters, Aussie Gold Hunters and Gold Rush on Foxtel and streamer Binge, with a range of box-sets included as part of the deal. The move extends a pre-existing partnership between the two outfits, which Foxtel Group Chief Content and Commercial Officer Amanda Laing said will “enable us to deliver even more of the world’s best factual, documentary and reality content.” Foxtel Media has also renewed its agreement as the exclusive Australian advertising partner for Discovery, Inc.
BBC Commissions Celebrity ‘Unbreakable’ Format And Airport Doc
BBC One has commissioned Unbreakable, a celebrity competition format putting couples to the test, along with a Heathrow Airport doc series.
- 2/9/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s Global Bulletin, ViacomCBS International Studios and Marc Anthony’s Magnus Studios sign a first-look deal, Red Arrow Studios International sells a quartet of high-end dramas in Australia, ITV Studios brings back Pat Younge as non-executive board director, Red Sea International Film Festival announces the 11 films in its Tajreeb section, All3Media closes deals on dog-themed content in Australia, and Zdfe boards “Grisù” with Mondo TV and Toon2Tango.
First Look
ViacomCBS International Studios (Vis) has signed a first-look deal with superstar cross-over recording artist Marc Anthony’s production company Magnus Studios and confirmed a development deal with the company on “Gloria Wants to Know It All,” an animated series for preschool audiences about an eight-year-old alpaca living in the big city. Juan José Campanella’s Mundoloco Animation Studios and Lanugo Media Inc. are also co-producing.
Anthony and Magnus COO Felipe Pimiento will act as executive producers on any...
First Look
ViacomCBS International Studios (Vis) has signed a first-look deal with superstar cross-over recording artist Marc Anthony’s production company Magnus Studios and confirmed a development deal with the company on “Gloria Wants to Know It All,” an animated series for preschool audiences about an eight-year-old alpaca living in the big city. Juan José Campanella’s Mundoloco Animation Studios and Lanugo Media Inc. are also co-producing.
Anthony and Magnus COO Felipe Pimiento will act as executive producers on any...
- 11/18/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
ITV Studios has appointed Pat Younge, a UK television industry veteran, as a non-executive director on its board.
Younge, a former BBC Studios and Travel Channel executive, is currently the co-managing director of Cardiff Productions after recently leaving the Sky-backed production outfit Sugar Films.
Younge will replace Denise O’Donoghue with immediate effect and advise ITV Studios’ management team on strategy and business development, working closely with managing director Julian Bellamy.
“Pat is a renowned leader in our industry with extensive experience across program making, running Studios and TV channels. His contribution to the ITV Studios Board will be invaluable,” Bellamy said.
Younge ran TV production while at BBC Studios, overseeing shows including Doctor Who and Top Gear. Prior to that, he was a president at Travel Channel Media, during which time shows including Man v Food were launched.
Younge, a former BBC Studios and Travel Channel executive, is currently the co-managing director of Cardiff Productions after recently leaving the Sky-backed production outfit Sugar Films.
Younge will replace Denise O’Donoghue with immediate effect and advise ITV Studios’ management team on strategy and business development, working closely with managing director Julian Bellamy.
“Pat is a renowned leader in our industry with extensive experience across program making, running Studios and TV channels. His contribution to the ITV Studios Board will be invaluable,” Bellamy said.
Younge ran TV production while at BBC Studios, overseeing shows including Doctor Who and Top Gear. Prior to that, he was a president at Travel Channel Media, during which time shows including Man v Food were launched.
- 11/18/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The late Gerry Anderson's production company Anderson Entertainment have teased the remake of classic children's show Thunderbirds.
In a statement released today (March 25), Anderson's son Jamie confirmed that the company is "actively pursuing a number of projects, the first of which will be unveiled shortly".
"Dad was working on a number of projects which he was sadly never able to complete, so we're proud to be seeing these through to completion," Anderson explained.
"We hope that we'll be introducing genuine Anderson productions to a brand new generation, whilst at the same time carrying the legacy torch for the classic shows like Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Stingray and Space: 1999."
Produced by ITV Studios and New Zealand-based Pukeko Pictures, the plans for a Thunderbirds remake were first announced back in February.
"Thunderbirds is a highly respected brand that continues to hold recognition around the world," said ITV Studios' Denise O'Donoghue.
In a statement released today (March 25), Anderson's son Jamie confirmed that the company is "actively pursuing a number of projects, the first of which will be unveiled shortly".
"Dad was working on a number of projects which he was sadly never able to complete, so we're proud to be seeing these through to completion," Anderson explained.
"We hope that we'll be introducing genuine Anderson productions to a brand new generation, whilst at the same time carrying the legacy torch for the classic shows like Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Stingray and Space: 1999."
Produced by ITV Studios and New Zealand-based Pukeko Pictures, the plans for a Thunderbirds remake were first announced back in February.
"Thunderbirds is a highly respected brand that continues to hold recognition around the world," said ITV Studios' Denise O'Donoghue.
- 3/25/2013
- Digital Spy
'Thunderbirds' is set to make a comeback in 2015. ITV has ordered 26 half-hour episodes for a reinvented version of the classic children's programme entitled 'Thunderbirds Are Go!', which will air on ITV and the Citv Channel in 2015. The series - produced by ITV Studios along with New Zealand-based Pukeko Pictures and Weta Workshop, the special effects company behind 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy and 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' - will utilise modern day CGI animation, as well as live action sets. ITV Studios managing director Denise O'Donoghue said: '''Thunderbirds' is a highly respected brand that continues to hold recognition...
- 2/4/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
'Thunderbirds' is set to make a comeback in 2015. ITV has ordered 26 half-hour episodes for a reinvented version of the classic children's programme entitled 'Thunderbirds Are Go!', which will air on ITV and the Citv Channel in 2015. The series - produced by ITV Studios along with New Zealand-based Pukeko Pictures and Weta Workshop, the special effects company behind 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy and 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' - will utilise modern day CGI animation, as well as live action sets. ITV Studios managing director Denise O'Donoghue said: '''Thunderbirds' is a highly respected brand that continues to hold recognition...
- 2/4/2013
- Virgin Media - Celebrity
Children's TV series to return in 2015, 50 years after it launched, and will be made with New Zealand special effects team
Thunderbirds are back! The children's TV series will return to ITV in 2015, 50 years after Thunderbird 1 first launched from under the swimming pool on Tracy Island and Parker drove Lady Penelope around in a pink Rolls-Royce, number plate FAB1.
The new series, which has the working title Thunderbirds Are Go!, will be made with the New Zealand special effects studio that worked on Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Thunderbirds first appeared on ITV in 1965 featuring Gerry Anderson's famous "supermarionation" puppet techniques. Anderson, whose other TV shows included Captain Scarlet, Joe 90 and Space 1999, died on 26 December last year, aged 83.
The 26-part series will be made in collaboration with the Oscar-winning Weta Workshop, which worked on Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, and will...
Thunderbirds are back! The children's TV series will return to ITV in 2015, 50 years after Thunderbird 1 first launched from under the swimming pool on Tracy Island and Parker drove Lady Penelope around in a pink Rolls-Royce, number plate FAB1.
The new series, which has the working title Thunderbirds Are Go!, will be made with the New Zealand special effects studio that worked on Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Thunderbirds first appeared on ITV in 1965 featuring Gerry Anderson's famous "supermarionation" puppet techniques. Anderson, whose other TV shows included Captain Scarlet, Joe 90 and Space 1999, died on 26 December last year, aged 83.
The 26-part series will be made in collaboration with the Oscar-winning Weta Workshop, which worked on Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, and will...
- 2/4/2013
- by John Plunkett
- The Guardian - Film News
Thunderbirds is to be revamped for a new 2015 series.
Thunderbirds are Go! will update the classic '60s series using a combination of CGI animation and live-action model sets.
© Pa Images / Yui Mok/Pa Archive
['Thunderbirds' creator Gerry Anderson with his beloved puppets]
An order has been made for 26 half-hour episodes to air on ITV and the Citv channel, marking 50 years since the Gerry Anderson original debuted in 1965.
Anderson - who created the 'Supermarionation' series as a follow-up to his previous children's hit Stingray - passed away late last year.
The revamped Thunderbirds is being produced by ITV Studios and New Zealand-based Pukeko Pictures, in collaboration with the world-famous Weta Workshop (Avatar, The Lord of the Rings).
ITV Studios' Denise O'Donoghue said: "Thunderbirds is a highly respected brand that continues to hold recognition around the world. This cult series is often credited as changing the history of animation and action-adventure, and we look forward to taking the...
Thunderbirds are Go! will update the classic '60s series using a combination of CGI animation and live-action model sets.
© Pa Images / Yui Mok/Pa Archive
['Thunderbirds' creator Gerry Anderson with his beloved puppets]
An order has been made for 26 half-hour episodes to air on ITV and the Citv channel, marking 50 years since the Gerry Anderson original debuted in 1965.
Anderson - who created the 'Supermarionation' series as a follow-up to his previous children's hit Stingray - passed away late last year.
The revamped Thunderbirds is being produced by ITV Studios and New Zealand-based Pukeko Pictures, in collaboration with the world-famous Weta Workshop (Avatar, The Lord of the Rings).
ITV Studios' Denise O'Donoghue said: "Thunderbirds is a highly respected brand that continues to hold recognition around the world. This cult series is often credited as changing the history of animation and action-adventure, and we look forward to taking the...
- 2/4/2013
- Digital Spy
ITV has bought Graham Norton's production company in a deal that could be worth £17 million. The broadcaster has acquired So Television - producer of the presenter's BBC One programme 'The Graham Norton Show' - and will pay £10m upfront in cash with a further £7m in cash payments dependent on the company achieving profit targets between now and 31 July 2016. Norton said: ''So Television has been our baby for 12 years, so I'm thrilled that the ITV family has decided to take it under their wing and help it blossom.'' The ITV Studios UK managing director, Denise O'Donoghue, added: ''So Television...
- 8/31/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
The list comprises a mixture of executives, producers, actors and writers, but is it a fair reflection and who has been omitted?
See the list of names in full
No one disputes that women have a long way to go in achieving equal status in broadcasting and film. But it is also easy to fall into the trap of whinging about unfairness, rather than saluting those who win through.
That is the point of the Top 50 Powerlist, relaunched on Thursday by Women in Film & TV, in association with Screen International and Broadcast.
After a first stab in 2010, it is timed to mark and chime with International Women's Day. Tonally, it is striving to change the pitch from minor to major: people of achievement clearly come in both sexes.
Kate Kinninmont, Wftv chief executive, says that in "true womanly style" the list is not arranged in any order, though one ambitious...
See the list of names in full
No one disputes that women have a long way to go in achieving equal status in broadcasting and film. But it is also easy to fall into the trap of whinging about unfairness, rather than saluting those who win through.
That is the point of the Top 50 Powerlist, relaunched on Thursday by Women in Film & TV, in association with Screen International and Broadcast.
After a first stab in 2010, it is timed to mark and chime with International Women's Day. Tonally, it is striving to change the pitch from minor to major: people of achievement clearly come in both sexes.
Kate Kinninmont, Wftv chief executive, says that in "true womanly style" the list is not arranged in any order, though one ambitious...
- 3/8/2012
- by Maggie Brown
- The Guardian - Film News
London -- L.A.-based television producer Michael Edelstein is packing his passport and relocating to the U.K. to head up international television at NBC Universal International.
Edelstein has been appointed president, international television production at NBC's overseas operation by Peter Smith, president, NBC Universal International. Edelstein will report to Smith.
He replaces former Hat Trick co-founder Denise O'Donoghue who quit four months after she took the job to return to the independent sector.
O'Donoghue had taken up the reins from NBCU's former international production head Angela Bromstad, who moved back to L.A. as president, NBC primetime Entertainment, last year.
Tasked with driving growth through increased local TV productions, expanding NBCU's international TV production footprint and building an internal creative team of talent and launching new business ventures, Edelstein is expected to arrive "in the coming weeks" here, Smith said.
Smith said Edelstein's hire is on partly on...
Edelstein has been appointed president, international television production at NBC's overseas operation by Peter Smith, president, NBC Universal International. Edelstein will report to Smith.
He replaces former Hat Trick co-founder Denise O'Donoghue who quit four months after she took the job to return to the independent sector.
O'Donoghue had taken up the reins from NBCU's former international production head Angela Bromstad, who moved back to L.A. as president, NBC primetime Entertainment, last year.
Tasked with driving growth through increased local TV productions, expanding NBCU's international TV production footprint and building an internal creative team of talent and launching new business ventures, Edelstein is expected to arrive "in the coming weeks" here, Smith said.
Smith said Edelstein's hire is on partly on...
- 6/1/2010
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Less than a month after Denise O'Donoghue quit as NBC Universal president of international television production, NBCU International president Pete Smith has wooed Alchemy and 12 Yard Productions exec Mike Beale to be NBCU vp international television production, with a brief to build the scripted and non-scripted businesses internationally.
Reporting to Smith, Beale will be responsible for developing international production strategy and building the business through corporate acquisition, organic growth and international format development. He will work alongside Yvonne Pilkington (vp, international format sales) and tap scripted and non-scripted format opportunities and build on the acquisition of Carnival Films in 2008.
A president of international television production is still to be announced, but NBC said Beale's appointment "will contribute to NBC Universal's ongoing international growth through increased local production, geographical expansion and new business creation."
Beale previously headed up the reality division of Alchemy Television where he produced shows such...
Reporting to Smith, Beale will be responsible for developing international production strategy and building the business through corporate acquisition, organic growth and international format development. He will work alongside Yvonne Pilkington (vp, international format sales) and tap scripted and non-scripted format opportunities and build on the acquisition of Carnival Films in 2008.
A president of international television production is still to be announced, but NBC said Beale's appointment "will contribute to NBC Universal's ongoing international growth through increased local production, geographical expansion and new business creation."
Beale previously headed up the reality division of Alchemy Television where he produced shows such...
- 2/10/2010
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- NBC Universal has wooed former Hat Trick co-founder and chief executive and founder of U.K. indie 12 Yard Denise O'Donoghue, to the post of president, international television productions at NBC Universal International, Nbcu International president Pete Smith said Thursday.
O'Donoghue, widely regarded as one of the most creative and commercially savvy U.K. media executives – who, alongside Hat Trick's Jimmy Mulville was behind such shows as "The Kumars at No.42" and "Have I Got News For You?" -- will focus on "shortening the format pipeline" between the U.K. and U.S., NBC executives said.
As head of the international production division, O'Donoghue will lead television productions and drive strategic TV content partnerships across all territories outside the U.S., and will spearhead NBC Universal's international growth through local production.
She will also take responsibility for expanding NBC Universal's international format licensing business, the division that recently brokered...
O'Donoghue, widely regarded as one of the most creative and commercially savvy U.K. media executives – who, alongside Hat Trick's Jimmy Mulville was behind such shows as "The Kumars at No.42" and "Have I Got News For You?" -- will focus on "shortening the format pipeline" between the U.K. and U.S., NBC executives said.
As head of the international production division, O'Donoghue will lead television productions and drive strategic TV content partnerships across all territories outside the U.S., and will spearhead NBC Universal's international growth through local production.
She will also take responsibility for expanding NBC Universal's international format licensing business, the division that recently brokered...
- 8/27/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- Denise O'Donoghue, one of producers behind such shows as The Kumars at No. 42, Have I Got News for You? and Father Ted is leaving Hat Trick Prods., the company she co-founded in 1986, it was announced Monday. Amid speculation that she may be about to join BBC3 as channel head, O' Donoghue would only confirm that she was leaving Hat Trick at the end of January. O'Donoghue and Hat Trick joint managing director Jimmy Mulville each made more than £11 million when they sold 45% of the production company to private equity firm Kleinwort Capital.
- 10/31/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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