Please wait...
Please wait...

Fremantle backs Hounds creators

Release the Hounds

Release the Hounds was created by Sam Pollard and James Abadi

The creators of ITV horror gameshow Release the Hounds have launched a UK indie backed by FremantleMedia.

Sam Pollard and James Abadi have set up Dr Pluto, which will develop original concepts across multiple genres and platforms. FremantleMedia has taken a 25% stake in the firm with the option to increase its share down the line.

Previously at Sony’s now-defunct Gogglebox Entertainment, Pollard and Abadi said they aim to invigorate a creative process that is “too heavily bound by genres and timeslots.”

Pollard added: “James and I delineate ourselves by an ideology rather than by a genre. That ideology is original, subversive, clever and playful. We’ve created the character of Dr Pluto to personify these values.”

The two are also keen to keep diversity in mind for Dr Pluto’s projects. “We’re not the only ones who want change. There is real desire within the industry for a new wave of bravery and creativity and we want to be at the vanguard,” said Abadi.

Pollard started his career as a development trainee at UK indie 12 Yard, where he created and co-created 12 commissioned shows. He moved to Shine TV and then UK pubcaster BBC before spending five years at Gogglebox.

billy_connolyAbadi began at ITV’s The Lab and has produced, directed and edited shows including Big Brother and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. He produced and directed both series of Release the Hounds, directed Man v Fly and wrote, directed and produced last year’s ITV2 sketch series The Ty and Ky Show.

FremantleMedia has announced a number of investments and acquisitions in the last 12 months, including Israeli outfit Abot Hameiri; Naked Entertainment, Man Alive Entertainment, Full Fat TV and Corona Pictures in the UK; Dutch producer No Pictures Please; French indies Fontaram and Kwai; and scripted producer Wildside in Italy.

This week FremantleMedia also took a minority stake in UK-based football media company Squawka.

RELATED ARTICLES

Please wait...