Wheelhouse’s Nick Mather joins Fremantle to launch Global Originals development label

European production group Fremantle is launching a new format label Fremantle Global Originals, led by Nick Mather who is joining the group from Wheelhouse Entertainment in the US.

Nick Mather

The new unit is described by Fremantle as “a stand-alone creative hub dedicated to the creation of original unscripted formats”.

Headed up by Mather, who takes the role of exec VP, the label will supply format ideas to be produced across Fremantle’s global production network.

Mather joins from Wheelhouse Entertainment, where he was exec VP and co-created unscripted formats such as Million Dollar Secrets (Netflix), Got to Get Out (Hulu/Disney), Last Bite Hotel (Food Network), and Celebrity Puzzling (Channel 5).

He will report to Fremantle UK CEO Amelia Brown and work closely with the Fremantle global network.

His previous roles include creative director at Possessed, where he co-created hits like Sitting on a Fortune (ITV), Unbeatable (BBC), and Scared of the Dark (Channel 4). He also co-created the long-running Pointless (BBC) and cult favourite, Golden Balls (ITV).

As MD of Remarkable TV, Mather also oversaw a wide entertainment slate and helped shape some of the company’s most recognisable formats.

Brown said: “To combine the creative format leadership of Nick with the production strength of Fremantle’s labels and companies is incredibly exciting. It places format creation right at the heart of everything we do at Fremantle and with his wealth of experience across the UK, US and international markets, Nick is perfectly placed to drive bold new ideas with global potential.”

Mather added: “Fremantle Global Originals is built on a simple idea; if you match motivated, forward-thinking creatives with Fremantle’s towering international infrastructure, you create a uniquely exciting space. Somewhere where creative ambition is matched by a commitment to make big, bold ideas happen.”