Fremantle is making a bold new play in global unscripted formats with the launch of Fremantle Global Originals, a newly formed creative hub that will focus exclusively on generating returnable, globally scalable entertainment formats. The Got Talent and Too Hot to Handle super-indie has tapped Nick Mather, co-creator of Netflix’s Million Dollar Secret and the BBC’s long-running Pointless, to lead the division as Executive Vice President.
The move marks a major step forward in Fremantle’s ambition to diversify its IP pipeline and deepen its commitment to unscripted innovation. Mather joins the company from Brent Montgomery’s Wheelhouse, where he spent the last two-and-a-half years developing and co-creating a string of unscripted formats including Million Dollar Secret (Netflix), Got to Get Out (Hulu/Disney), Last Bite Hotel (Food Network), and Celebrity Puzzling (Channel 5).
Mather will report to Amelia Brown, CEO of Fremantle UK, and initially leads the Global Originals unit as its sole full-time employee. His remit includes crafting original, returnable entertainment formats that can be produced by Fremantle’s global production labels — including TalkbackThames, the UK powerhouse recently reformed under Charlie Irwin, which handles Britain’s Got Talent, Blankety Blank, and Too Hot to Handle.
“To combine the creative format leadership of Nick with the production strength of Fremantle’s labels and companies is incredibly exciting,” said Brown.
“It places format creation right at the heart of everything we do at Fremantle and with his wealth of experience across the UK, U.S. and international markets, Nick is perfectly placed to drive bold new ideas with global potential.”
With a strong track record in both UK and international entertainment markets, Mather previously held creative roles at UK labels Possessed and Remarkable, where he helped develop and co-create popular UK formats including Sitting on a Fortune and Scared of the Dark in addition to Pointless.
“Fremantle Global Originals is built on a simple idea; if you match motivated, forward-thinking creatives with Fremantle’s towering international infrastructure, you create a uniquely exciting space,” said Mather. “Somewhere where creative ambition is matched by a commitment to make big, bold ideas happen.”
The launch of Fremantle Global Originals comes as part of the company’s wider mission to accelerate the creation of globally adaptable IP. Fremantle’s production reach spans major international labels, including The Apprentice producer Naked, and it continues to consolidate and evolve legacy brands like Talkback and Thames, which were merged once again in 2023.
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