Factual entertainment producer Gobstopper Group has opened a third label in Belfast to be headed by two external recruits.
Former Stellify head of development Paddy McKenna and former Sunday Morning Live series editor Neil Dimmock take on co-creative director roles at the newly-formed Mermaid Studios.
Last year, the group launched Manchester label Flying Saucer TV, which has developed the Channel 4 diet format Lose Weight Like Me.
Gobstopper launched the labels after buying back its stake from the company’s former owner Greenbird last year.
Gobstopper’s portfolio of shows includes MTV’s Just Tattoo of Us and Channel 5 formats Filthy House SOS and Cats and Dogs at War.
Meanwhile, BBC Studios has re-established its partnership with Gobstopper and will distribute shows and formats from the three labels. BBCS was a launch investor in the indie when it was established in 2015 prior to Greenbird’s acquisition.
BBCS recently signed a similar deal with Small Fortune producer Youngest Media.
