Scripted television veteran Jason Simms has launched Fusebox Entertainment, a new London-based production and consultancy company, with co-production and development deals already in place, according to Deadline. The company launches ahead of MIPCOM, the international content market that opens this weekend in Cannes and continues through the following week.
Fusebox Entertainment enters the market with consultancy partnerships across Europe and the United States already signed, plus a slate of drama co-productions built directly with partner producers, Deadline reported.
The Details Behind Fusebox Entertainment
Simms founded Fusebox Entertainment after exiting his role as UK managing director at C3 Media, which is backed by Cineflix, in March. The new company offers executive producer services along with development, co-production, financing and distribution consultation for producers, networks and financing businesses working on scripted projects.
Four production companies have already signed co-production and development deals with Fusebox: Cosmopolitan Pictures, led by Ben Donald; The Story Collective, the producer behind A Thousand Blows; Nordic outfit Saga Film; and High Road Entertainment, launched by former Cineflix executive James Durie and Richard Tulk-Hart.
Simms is also advising sales and production companies in the U.S., U.K., New Zealand and Poland.
“A fusebox is where the right people and projects connect and power flows,” Simms told Deadline. “That’s what I want Fusebox to be: a meeting place where creatives, producers, distributors, financiers and platforms find partners, opportunities and ideas that bring scripted dramas and comedies to life.”
What It Means For Fans And The Industry
For audiences, the partner roster spans British, Nordic and North American producers, suggesting projects could reach multiple territories and platforms. Fans of A Thousand Blows may watch for future Story Collective projects through Fusebox. No new titles have been announced beyond the existing partner deals.
Simms’ Background In Scripted TV
Simms brings a resume built across both sides of the business. As SVP of Global Acquisitions at Fox Networks Group, he acquired U.S. franchises including The Walking Dead, Dexter and Legion, according to Deadline.
He later moved to Sky Studios, where he oversaw commercial strategy, deficit financing and producer relationships across more than 60 Sky originals and third-party scripted series. While there, he developed a local originals strategy to support the launch of SkyShowtime, which produced the Polish drama Sleboda among other titles.
What’s Next For Fusebox Entertainment
Simms is using MIPCOM as the launch stage for Fusebox Entertainment, telling Deadline, “I’ve been fortunate to have worked across many facets of the scripted business in my career. I know what buyers are looking for, I know how to make co-productions actually work across borders, and I’ve built the local and global relationships to bring the right partners together to do that. MIPCOM feels like the right stage to switch Fusebox on, and I’m excited to see more sparks flying in the months ahead.”
Simms will attend MIPCOM to pitch projects and partnerships. More details on co-productions and deals are expected in the coming weeks.
Reporting from Deadline contributed to this story.
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