News releases 2008
News releases
Hackett to crack it with ITV-backed indie
01/05/2008
ITV Productions today announced an equity investment in Crackit, a new independent production start-up company founded by former Endemol UK board member and Brighter Pictures managing director, Elaine Hackett.
ITVP is taking a 25 per cent stake in the new company which specialises in making popular factual television. The level of equity entitles Crackit to maintain its status as an independent producer as defined in Article 3 of the Broadcasting (Independent Productions) Order 1991.
The investment forms part of the ITV board’s ’s plan to accelerate growth in the company’s global content arm through strategic investments in complementary production businesses in high value genres with strong secondary sales potential. In the past 12 months ITV has taken equity stakes in UK and US drama producers Mammoth Screen and Jaffe/Braunstein Entertainment respectively and acquired outright entertainment quiz format producer 12 Yard.
Crackit already has a slate of programmes in development with BBC1, Channel 4 and Virgin. Under the terms of the deal, ITV subsidiaries Granada International will be Crackit’s exclusive international distribution and licensing partner. The deal followed an approach to Ms Hackett by Jim Allen, ITVP’s Controller of Entertainment & Factual.
According to Elaine Hackett:
“The beauty of this new relationship is that it will enable me to retain creative autonomy and my independent status to pitch some cracking factual and entertainment ideas to British broadcasters. At the same time it allows me to take advantage of an international sales and distribution operation and have the backing of one of the world’s biggest entertainment brands.”Welcoming ITVP’s investment in Crackit, Director of ITV Productions John Whiston said:
“ITV is thrilled to be able to play a part in Elaine’s new venture; she is one of the most energetic and creative forces in UK production today. Our investment in Crackit is the first of several stakes ITV wants to acquire in start-up companies. ITV Productions is giving programme makers the benefits and support of a large organisation but with creative freedom, flexibility and independent ways of working. It’s great to know that some of the best people in the business want to come and work and share their ideas.”New Piers Morgan Commission for BBC1
As managing director of Endemol’s Brighter Pictures shingle for three years, Ms Hackett was responsible for its transformation into a factual and entertainment powerhouse, increasing its output and turnover substantially with projects ranging from acclaimed documentaries through to Big Brother. She also championed Piers Morgan and has been instrumental in the production of his compelling confessional series for the BBC, You Can’t Fire Me I’m Famous.
She is currently working with Morgan on his latest BBC1 venture, a new commission entitled Piers Morgan’s The Dark Side of Fame.
Piers Morgan said:
“I chose to work with Elaine and her new start-up, Crackit, because I love her energy, passion, stamina and integrity. The best production companies, like any business, are defined by the people who run them. Elaine always makes you feel like she is living and breathing the shows with you without ever trying to inhibit your natural style, and I find that invaluable as a presenter.”
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