Daybreak co-founders Aukin, Vogel exit

David Aukin and Hal Vogel, co-founders of Tinopolis-backed UK drama prodco Daybreak Pictures, are leaving the company and Vogel is launching a new production outfit backed by Ringside Media.

Hal Vogel

Aukin and Vogel co-founded the company in 2006 with Tinopolis and Vogel will now lead Slate Entertainment, a new firm supported by the investment arm of Newen-backed indie Ringside Studios.

At Daybreak they produced a range of television dramas and movies, including Peter Kosminsky’s Government Inspector, Britz and Paula Milne’s Endgame.

Vogel is now working on a range of high-end scripted projects across film and TV with international talent and partners.

Vogel said: “Daybreak Pictures was a fantastic company committed to making stand-out era-defining TV. We had great partners in Tinopolis and I had an amazing partnership with David but now feels like a good time for change.

“The industry has transformed. Partnering with Ringside and Newen and their extensive European network and support structure, and with my own relationships and projects, is a really exciting next step for Slate Entertainment. David and I will continue to collaborate on projects together as I build a company committed to powerful new voices and great stories that can make impact internationally.”

Aukin added: “The 17 years with Tinopolis have been fantastic, supporting us at all times, but now it’s time to move on and for me to focus on a few pet projects. I wish Hal every success with Slate.”

Ringside Studios and its investment arm Ringside Media were set up in 2020 by former Channel 4 head of drama Gub Neal with backing from TF1-owned French distributor and production group Newen.

Neal said: “Welcoming someone of Hal’s exceptional experience and skill in the high-end scripted space into the Ringside family is a fantastic opportunity. We are excited about seeing his ambitious slate of projects come to life and working together in the future.”