Bullivant And Russell Launch Indie Fireback Entertainment

Former Director of Programmes at TV-Loonland and MD of Kickback Media, John Bullivant, and ex Head of Productions at The London Studios and former MD of Fire Mountain Productions, Iain Russell have join forces to launch new indie Fireback Entertainment Ltd.
The company is currently in production of its first fully-funded CITV commission Captain Mack, a new 52x11 minute live-action, high-energy children’s series aimed at 4-6 year olds.
Captain Mack tells of the adventures of its eponymous brave and daring sky captain who performs daring deeds and flies heroic missions. Taking its inspiration from 1960’s live action show Batman, Captain Mack is Good versus Naughty, offering 4-6 year olds a non-violent, all action superhero.
Fireback controls worldwide rights and is in final negotiations to secure a worldwide TV and video distributor.
Commenting on the new company, Bullivant said: “Fireback will position itself as an ideas driven company rather than a genre driven company. If we see a great idea that we think has potential, we’re not going to walk away from it simply because it’s not ‘our genre’. The idea is bold but simple, we pull the best possible team together and make it our genre!”
Russell added: “With a unique combination of creative talent and proven business acumen Fireback is committed to making its properties a commercial as well as creative success, factoring in distribution and consumer products potential from day one will set us in very good stead.”
Fireback will apply its considerable experience of international co-productions, character branding and creating internationally saleable content to all areas of programming, diversifying beyond children’s and animation into film, drama and factual entertainment. Captain Mack joins the company’s existing children’s IP, including Tom & Vicky, also licensed to CITV and The Treacle People and The Fourth King under license to Channel 4.
Fireback also operates an award winning corporate and commercials production arm which trades under the name of Fire Mountain Communications. Clients include RBS, BBC Worldwide and McCann-Erickson and will be looking to aggressively develop their corporate business over the next two years.
(SP)