The Stage

Universal Music turns to TV production with Globe

Published Monday 26 June 2006 at 12:35 by Liz Thomas

Universal Music, one of the UK’s biggest record companies, is moving into TV production to make programmes with artists on its books, such as U2, Scissor Sisters and Keane.

The new division, Globe Productions, comes from the success of programmes such as The X Factor and Pop Idol. The production arm will aim to develop new television formats - both music based and factual - and work on programme ideas in-house, as well as collaborating closely with independent production companies.

Globe already has several projects in development and has secured its first commissions, including a documentary on Paul Weller, which is to be made in association with Double Jab Productions. A similar alliance with Monkey, the independent production company set up by Will Macdonald and David Granger, resulted in the six-week series on Girls Aloud on E4, which will be broadcast on Channel 4 this autumn.

Universal Music Group International chairman and chief executive Lucian Grainge says: “The launch of Globe is a natural progression for Universal Music. The opportunities for our artists in television are immense, and through Globe we are taking a more pro-active approach, closing the gap between artists and broadcasters. I hope we can find new ways of presenting music on television and the promotional aspect is just the tip of the iceberg. My vision for Globe is to develop ground-breaking television formats which can be successful worldwide.”

Suzi Aplin, one of the most respected producers in music television, has been working alongside Universal Music and its TV production partners to explore opportunities for Globe. The company has poached Polydor director of TV and DVD Iain Funnell to run the division as general manager from this September.