Former ITV Studios executive Pascal Dalton sets up formats business Shimmer Media
Pascal Dalton, the former head of brand partnerships for north EMEA at ITV Studios (ITVS), has launched a new business specialising in scripted and non-scripted formats for the international market.
Pascal Dalton
Shimmer Media has been set up by Dalton, who left ITVS after seven years towards the end of 2024, to “bring a fresh perspective” to format management and monetisation.
Described as a boutique business, as well as one that will assist with format development and brokering deals, it will also work across areas such as brand management, licensing, social media campaigns and IP infringement.
Shimmer Media already counts among its clients All3Media International, where Dalton has acted as a formats consultant; Bulgarian prodco Hidalgo Productions, where he is advising on international business strategy; and London-based gaming and animation studio Inviox Studios, where he holds a fractional role as chief business development officer.
Dalton joined ITVS in 2017 as VP of global format sales, before becoming senior VP of licensing in 2020 and then adding head of partnerships to his role in 2022.
During his time there, he worked with ITVS production companies in key markets such as the US, UK, Germany, France and Australia – and directly with third-party licensees – to maximise format value in local markets and drive international deals.
Dalton was promoted to head of brand partnerships for north EMEA in 2023, managing and overseeing all format sales. He sold formats including Love Island, The Chase, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, the Voice and Come Dine with Me while working for ITVS.
Prior to ITVS, Dalton spent eight years at Endemol Shine, from 2009 to 2017, latterly as regional sales director of formats for Central and Eastern Europe. He also played a key role in establishing the production hub for gameshow format The Wall with Endemol Shine Poland, securing its first pre-financing deals.
Dalton, founder of Shimmer Media, said: “The television industry is challenging us at present – as it often has done before – but this presents Shimmer and our clients with a unique opportunity.
“As an agile organisation, we can use our network and experience to swiftly get formats in front of the right people to meet market demand, but we can also give titles and their owners the attention they deserve.”
He added: “We’ll help IP owners distribute and get formats market-ready, negotiate good deals and assist them with navigating the increasingly complex rights market. And we’ll add real value by treating formats as brands, being selective and focused on how we explore every possible opportunity – on and off-air and through relevant channels such as advertising-funded. Our experience also means we are the right people to have in your corner for infringement issues.
“I have been fortunate enough to have contributed to growing some of the world’s best-known format brands and creating hits from initial format roll-outs. I am now incredibly excited to bring that expertise to both established companies with existing formats that need support and newer partners with fresh formats about to start their international journey.”
