Matchbox’s Bowden, ex-Fremantle exec form Lingo

The founder of Matchbox Pictures and a former FremantleMedia Australia creative director have created a Sydney-based production company, Lingo Pictures.

Helen Bowden, who was NBCUniversal-owned Matchbox’s managing director, and Jason Stephens have partnered to create the firm, which will produce scripted and unscripted content for the international and Australian markets.

Bowden counts ABC drama The Slap, which has been sold around the world and remade in the US for NBC, and Devil’s Playground on her credits.

Stephens left FMA in January 2014 after ten years with the business, during which time he held posts including director of development and creative director.

“Lingo will be creatively focussed, nimble and market savvy,” a Lingo statement reported by local blog TV Tonight read. “We aim to build strong partnerships and new business models, while putting together an ambitious production slate. We look forward to making some exciting announcements in the near future.”