Former HBO Max Execs Launch Velvet Hammer Media

Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn, both former HBO Max executives, have founded and launched Velvet Hammer Media (VHM) to create, produce and distribute original nonfiction content.

O’Connell served as executive VP of nonfiction and live-action family originals at HBO Max, while Quinn was senior VP of nonfiction original programming. Their new company will focus on the production of formats, special-event programs and documentaries.

VHM will operate out of Los Angeles, with O’Connell and Quinn serving as co-CEOs and executive producers. Development and production veteran Nick Alarcon has boarded VHM as VP.

In a joint statement, O’Connell and Quinn said: “We have spent our entire professional lives in the content business, building and nurturing vital relationships with creatives and executives, and we look forward to furthering those collaborations and friendships through VHM. At this pivotal moment in our business, we’re excited to bet on ourselves and leverage our complementary strengths.

“While VHM will utilize our deep experience and creative acumen, we will put equal focus on the way business is done, with trust, transparency and an unwavering dedication to inclusion. We are humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support we’ve already received from buyers and creators and valued crew. We are ready for this moment and could not be more energized about our new venture.”