Seven forms new TV production company to create new formats for the UK market
The Seven Network is partnering with executives who led UK independent television production company Maverick Television to form a new television production company called 7Wonder.
The joint venture will focus on the creation of new TV programmes and formats initially for the UK TV market and follows on from Seven’s formation of the 7Beyond joint venture with Beyond International which does the same in the US.
Seven West Media CEO Tim Worner said: “Our success is built on our ability to create and own compelling content, and to deliver that content to the biggest audiences across our media platforms. 7Wonder underlines a key part of our strategy for today and in the future: the expansion of our presence in the production of content.”
The joint venture is between Seven, Alexandra Fraser the former joint CEO at Maverick Tevlevision, Liza Abbot a production executive at ITV in the UK, and Simon Ellse.
Alex Fraser said: “Liza, Simon and I knew from the outset the partner we wanted was Seven so we didn’t do a’beauty parade’ or go to market. It was very important to us to be in a creative partnership and enjoy a two way sharing of ideas.
“With support from Sydney, we’re able to keep over heads to a minimum and so our model is built around “putting money on screen”. 7Wonder will be working across all genres – embracing the rich entertainment portfolio that Seven has created and also building and developing new programmes and formats that will reach an international audience.”
Maverick Television works on shows such as Embarrassing Bodies, Stephen Fry: Out There and Operation Ouch!.
Seven’s director of production Brad Lyons said: “Seven is recognised as a leader in the development and production of Australian television. We are driving our own future with the programmes and content we create and leverage, and we are making deliberate and considered moves into new opportunities not only for our own primary market in Australia but increasingly in international markets.
“7Wonder forms a key element in our plans. And, we couldn’t be happier to be joining with people we have known and regarded highly over a number of years. Alex and Liza have a terrific track record of success. They have passion, ideas and at Maverick ran a great business. We‟re looking forward to working with them in the next phase of their careers in this new joint venture as we focus on the growing UK market.”
Miranda Ward worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2017, eventually becoming deputy editor. Miranda joined Mumbrella in September 2013 from Sky News.
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