The UK division of SonyBMG have announced the creation of a new joint venture TV production company. The Senior VP of the group's Futures Division, Clive Rich, confirmed the major was going into business with former BBC executives David Mortimer and Richard Hopkins (who between them have been involved in Dragons' Den, Strictly Come Dancing, Strictly Dance Fever, Bank Of Mum And Dad, Britain's Best Sitcom and It Takes Two) to form the TV business, which will be called Fever Media. Apparently it's going to be '360 degree business initiative' which is great news, because I love 360 degree business initiatives. In fact, I'd go as far as to say they are my very favourite kind of business initiatives.
Rich told reporters: "I'm delighted that David and Richard have chosen to bring their new venture to SonyBMG. We have been looking to deepen our interests in the global TV business, both in relation to the creation of programming and format ideas, and the development of production capacity. Fever will be a perfect partner for this, as David and Richard have a proven track record at the highest levels, across a wide range of programming, with access to every senior broadcaster in the UK. They are also highly entrepreneurial and share our ambition to develop 360 degree business initiatives around our creative assets."
David Mortimer added: "I've had a great time working at the BBC, and in particular the three years working in BBC Entertainment have been fantastically creative times. I'm now ready for the challenge of building a new enterprise in the independent world and can think of no better partner than Richard Hopkins. I'm sure with the amazing backing that Clive Rich and Rob Stringer at SonyBMG have given us we will make a great team"
SonyBMG UK boss Rob Stringer added: "We are continuing to build our successful TV production strategy with this joint venture. David and Richard are highly experienced and talented entrepreneurial TV executives and our deal will be creatively beneficial for both parties. Fever will be part of our ongoing vision to create a completely multi dimensional entertainment company at SonyBMG."
Of course SonyBMG aren't complete strangers to the TV business, given their partnership with Simon Cowell's SyCo company which, of course, has proven the business potential of music telly through the X-Factor franchise. Meanwhile in the US former SonyBMG chief executive Andy Lack, a former TV exec, is developing a film unit for the major in his new role as chairman.