Sky Vision & October Films Back New U.S. Production Venture

NEW YORK: Television producers Julian P. Hobbs and Elli Hakami have launched a new U.S. production company, Talos Films, with backing from Sky Vision and October Films.

The new entity, which will operate out of New York City, will focus on creating and producing a range of content for global audiences, including innovative, high-profile event documentaries, docudramas, character-driven unscripted series, formats and scripted projects. Both Hobbs and Hakami have developed and produced content for networks and production companies such as HISTORY Channel, Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, TLC, HBO, OWN, MTV, Bravo, BBC America, truTV and Travel Channel. Hobbs most recently headed up scripted development and production at HISTORY, while Hakami’s latest stint was at MTV as executive VP of current series and programming.

Jane Millichip, the managing director of Sky Vision, said: “Julian and Elli have an amazing track record both at networks and production companies, with an impressive slate of factual, documentary and scripted content. We are looking forward to working with Talos and October Films in this new venture. Sky Vision has developed strong relationships with independent production companies on both sides of the Atlantic as Sky grows a broad, international content business spanning broadcasting, production and distribution. Talos will become another important partner as we continue to build our presence especially in the U.S. market.”

Adam Bullmore, the managing director of October Films, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be backing Elli and Julian—two of the most talented and creative individuals we know—in this exciting new joint venture. Using our experience to form innovative partnerships with other individuals and help them build their businesses is a key part of October’s commercial and creative strategy as we continue our own growth as an independently owned company.”

Hobbs and Hakami, co-presidents of Talos Films, remarked: “We could not imagine better partners in the launch of our company, Talos Films. We are very excited to have the support of Sky Vision and October Films as we dive in and create fresh, new content for audiences around the world.”

Both Bullmore and Millichip will serve on Talos Films’s board.