Gunpowder explodes into UK

Gunpowder & Sky, the fledgling US studio launched last year by Viacom veteran Van Toffler, is opening a hub in the UK led by a former Endemol Shine executive.

Randel Bryan

The digital-first outfit is launching Gunpowder & Sky International in London with former Endemol Shine Beyond UK MD Randel Bryan overseeing the venture.

Bryan has been named MD and will be responsible for bolstering the company’s operations abroad, reporting to co-founder and president Floris Bauer in LA.

Bryan joined the UK arm of Endemol Shine’s digital subsidiary Beyond in 2016 and oversaw the development of YouTube Red series DanTDM Creates a Big Scene.

He also launched online channels including Rule’m Sports, lifestyle channel ICON UK and Legend of Gaming.

Bauer said: “We see tremendous opportunity in international markets with more OTT services emerging, and a clear demand for more youth-focused content.

“As our first international hub, the UK market was a logical step, being well known for having an extraordinary creative talent pool and producing content that travels globally.”

Bryan said: “I’ve been able to watch the digital content industry grow first hand, from shortform sketches and channels through to scripted series.

“With the trend continuing to move towards more premium content, I believe it’s the perfect time to join such a progressive studio that has the ability to deliver the best content to audiences, regardless of platform, format or device.”

Gunpowder & Sky was launched last year by Van Toffler, who had previously been with US channels operator Viacom for 28 years, and Bauer, who previously worked at Endemol.