Fremantle backs former C4 exec’s indie

FremantleMedia has invested in Man Alive Entertainment, a new indie prodco set up by former Channel 4 head of entertainment Justin Gorman.

The new UK-based indie will make factual, factual entertainment, quiz and gameshows. Gorman’s credits while at UK commercial broadcaster Channel 4 include The Million Pound Drop Live and Alan Carr Chatty Man.

Prior to C4 he was at All3Media-owned Objective Productions, and worked on shows including Derren Brown and The Cube. He has also been an exec producer at Princess Productions.

Hannah Dodson will join Gorman as head of development at the new prodco, having previously been part of his team Channel 4.

FremantleMedia will take a 25% stake in Man Alive with an option to acquire more. It is the second deal of this nature in recent weeks after the RTL-owned production and distribution group took a quarter of Full Fat TV, the indie set up by former Remarkable Television boss Colette Foster.

“We are a small but very experienced indie, with a great track record in creating award-winning entertainment formats and multi-screen content,” said Gorman. “I’m delighted to have the backing of FremantleMedia – its creative network is unrivalled and I look forward to creating some outstanding television content for the UK and the world.”

Rob Clark, director of global entertainment at FremantleMedia, said: “Justin is one of the most respected execs in television, he has creative flair, great relationships with talent and broadcasters, and he’s been a part of some of the biggest shows in the industry.

“We’re looking forward to making some great shows and being part of the company’s growth.”

FremantleMedia has made numerous indie investments this year including taking stakes in Naked Entertainment, Corona Pictures, No Pictures Please, Fontaram, Kwai and Wildside.