Ray Stevens, the owner of Soho-based editing company 25editors, is to collaborate with Nick Franco’s 1185 Films, part of the 1185 Group.
Launching 1185 Talent, Stevens and Franco’s new division aims to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for industry talent.
1185 Talent will have a roster of talent from 25editors and elsewhere, 1185 Talent will include directors, editors, colourists, VFX artists and photographers.
The creation of 1185 Talent is specifically targeted at advertising and brand agencies, “with potential crossover to feature films, feature docs and TV.”
The 1185 Group is also expanding with new divisions including 1185 Commercial and 1185 Consult.
Franco established 1185 Films in 2003, offering a boutique, full-service film production company and post house.
The company, which has been at its new headquarters in Farringdon since 2023, recently saw its first feature film release with All You Need Is Death, directed by Paul Duane.
Coming this summer, 1185’s post-production VFX and sound work can be seen in a comedy crime film directed by Ray Burdis, A Gangster’s Kiss.
The first appointments will see Franco hand over some of his responsibilities as head colourist to lead artists, Joshua Borrill and Senem Yagan. Kevin Shaw, CSI, colour management specialist from Finalcolor, will also be joining 1185 Talent.
Shaw has been working with Franco to develop a streamlined DCI SDR and HDR workflow using Dolby Vision and the Sony HX310 4k HDR monitor.
Nick Franco, CEO & Founder, 1185 Films, said: “I’ve known Ray Stevens for a long time and he’s one of the very best in the business. Our joint experience and expertise are set to be a winning combination and I’m excited about the potential of 1185 Talent. I’m delighted to welcome Joshua, Senem and Kevin to kickstart the launch of our new division, as our ever-increasing workload for finishing means their support will be invaluable.”
Ray Stevens, Owner / Editor, 25editors, said: “1185 Talent will lead the way in our industry with award-winning directors, editors, colourists, VFX and photographers. I’m excited to work closely alongside Nick Franco and to be a part of this new venture. Our business will shake up the way talent can be sourced and offer the very best roster of people.”
Kevin Shaw, CSI, said: “I have worked with Nick in the past and enjoyed the energy and attention to detail he brings to projects. I’m excited about 1185 Talent and the collaborations that promise to come from it.”
Joshua Borrill said: “Joining 1185 Talent is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. The combined vision of Nick Franco and Ray Stevens is just what the post-production landscape needs and I’m excited to get started.”
Senem Yagan said: “Chances like this don’t happen all that often so I jumped on board straight away. I can’t wait to see the positive impact 1185 Talent is bound to have across the industry.”
Jon Creamer
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