Former HBO Max execs Jennifer O’Connell, Rebecca Quinn launch prodco

Jennifer O’Connell (left) and Rebecca Quinn

Former HBO Max execs Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn, who left the streamer last year during the post-merger upheaval at parent firm Warner Bros Discovery, have teamed up to launch a production company.

Velvet Hammer Media (WHM) is a non-fiction production outfit with a focus on formats, documentaries and special event programming.

The execs will lead the LA-based company as co-CEOs and executive producers, and have recruited development and production veteran Nick Alarcon, formerly the VP of development at Lionsgate, to serve as VP at VHM.

At HBO Max, O’Connell was exec VP of non-fiction and live-action family originals, while Quinn was senior VP of non-fiction original programming. The pair exited the company last summer as part of the restructure of HBO Max and HBO under Casey Bloys.

“We have spent our entire professional lives in the content business, building and nurturing vital relationships with creatives and executives, and we look forward to furthering those collaborations and friendships through VHM,” the pair said in a joint statement.

“At this pivotal moment in our business, we’re excited to bet on ourselves and leverage our complementary strengths.”

The company has also launched a diversity-focused initiative called Inside Access, which aims to ensure that behind-the-camera BIPOC talent will be hired on each of its productions.

“While VHM will utilise our deep experience and creative acumen, we will put equal focus on the way business is done, with trust, transparency and an unwavering dedication to inclusion,” they added.