Hat Trick Productions is partnering with BBC Studio’s editor of formats & special events Guy Freeman and Talent Agent Anita Land to set up a new co-venture, Livewire Pictures.
Freeman will be leaving BBC Studios at the end of February. The new production company will specialise in entertainment shows, music programming and high profile live events of all kinds.
Guy Freeman first made programmes for the BBC in the mid-90s with Noel’s House Party. Since then he has produced a wide range of entertainment programmes and events including the first series of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and five Brit Awards. He spent three years as Controller of Music & Events at ITV before executive producing The Diamond Jubilee Concert for the BBC. Other credits include The Eurovision Song Contest, BBC Music Awards, Invictus Games, Adele at the BBC and Let it Shine. In 2017 he executive produced One Love: Manchester.
Freeman said: “At BBC Studios I’ve been lucky to have worked with some incredibly talented people, on a whole range of programmes that I’m extremely proud of. However, the chance to build a new company, creating more of the shows and events I love, at such a dynamic time in our business, with the support of Jimmy and Hat Trick, is simply too good to miss.”
Jimmy Mulville, Hat Trick Managing Director, said: “Guy is a proven creative leader with an unrivalled track record in big entertainment shows. Announcing this bold new venture with him and Anita Land is the perfect way to start 2018.”
Livewire Pictures will operate out of Hat Trick’s offices in Camden and Hat Trick International will have an exclusive distribution agreement with the company. Hat Trick has already taken stakes in Plum Pictures in 2007, Emporium Productions in 2015 and the drama co-venture HTM with writer Jed Mercurio in 2016.
Jon Creamer
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