Stephen Arnell joins 1185 Films

Former launch director of ITV3 and ITV4, Stephen Arnell, is joining 1185 Films as a project-based consulting co-director of development and production.

The film production company and post-production house is based in Farringdon and run by executive producer Nick Franco.

Working alongside 1185 Films owner and executive producer, Franco and Head of Entertainment, Chris Cowey, Arnell joins 1185 Films “at a time of accelerated growth for its slate of exciting film and TV drama, entertainment and comedy projects.”

The company’s first feature film, All You Need is Death, directed by Paul Duane has been nominated for Best New Irish Feature Awards at Cork International Film Festival and has been picked up by distributor, XYZ.

In recent months, in addition to Chris Cowey, 1185 Films is also representing writer-director Eugene O’Connor and documentary director Alex Webster.

Arnell’s thirty-year career in broadcasting began in the BBC Research Department, prior to roles at independent research agencies, BBC Production and ITV. As Director of Development for ITV Digital Channels, he created, launched and ran both ITV3 and ITV4. Other roles include Senior Editorial Consultant for ITV Pay (BritBox development), and editorial acquisition roles at Paramount International, Discovery, Cinemoi, Trace TV and A+E Networks. He has also written and produced arts documentaries, most recently BOB FOSSE: IT’S SHOWTIME (2019) for Sky Arts and is a media / culture commentator for a wide range of publications.

1185 Films has also expanded its central London post-production facility and cutting rooms to include online finishing vfx and sound and has recently hosted ITV dramas including Grace, The Bay and Maryland.

Stephen Arnell said: “This is an extremely interesting time to join 1185 Films with its growing slate of entertainment, drama and comedy. I’ve known Nick for years and have always been thoroughly impressed by his drive and ability. This is an ideal time to help the 1185 Films team develop a fascinating slate of programming projects, all with huge potential to cut through for broadcasters and streamers.”

Nick Franco, founder, CEO and executive producer, 1185 Films, said: “Stephen brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge to 1185 Films and I’m thrilled to welcome him aboard. This is a thriving business and as we continue to go from strength to strength, I’m confident he’ll help us take us to the next level.”