Carl Hall to exit Sky Vision

Carl Hall is exiting his position as managing director of BSkyB-owned distributor Sky Vision, with Jane Millichip stepping up to replace him.

Hall (pictured, left with Sky’s managing director, content, Sophie Turner Laing) is to launch his own production company, Warehouse 51, which will be based in Soho, London. Under terms of his departure, he will take Sky Vision’s Bristol production office with him. The company will focus on high end factual and factual entertainment content.

Sky Vision was created when Hall sold his production-distribution company Parthenon Entertainment to Sky in July 2012.

His replacement, Millichip, joined Sky Vision in January this year. The former Zodiak Rights sales chief has been director of sales and global brands to this point but will now become MD.

The pair will continue to collaborate going forward, however, as Sky Vision will distribute Warehouse 51 programming.

Sky Vision will continue to produce programming despite losing the Bristol unit with Danny Tipping continuing to head up Sky Vision’s development and production unit. He will now report into Millichip.

Following the company acquisition last year, Hall focused on expanding Sky Vision’s portfolio in drama, entertainment and comedy through the likes of Sky Living’s Doll & Em and Sky 1 smuggler drama Moonfleet. In particular, he focused on securing rights to the wave of British original programming Sky has been commissioning under director of entertainment channels Stuart Murphy.

Hall said: “I’m extremely proud of Sky Vision and the way in which the team has created a high-class distribution capability within Sky. Sky Vision is ideally placed to grow and develop and to help Sky realise the enormous potential that comes from being the fastest-growing source of investment in original British productions.

“However, I’m an entrepreneur at heart and having led Sky Vision for more than a year, and with a brilliant management team in place, I want to get back to what I know best. I am in a unique position to create a production house where top talent from writers, producers and directors can get their ideas made and financed.”

Rob Webster, Sky’s commercial group director, added: “Having founded Parthenon and overseen its first year of operation as Sky Vision, Carl has helped embed an ambitious international distribution business within Sky, for which he has our sincere thanks.

“Carl leaves behind an extremely talented team and one which is well placed to build on what’s been a really positive first year for Sky Vision. We wish Carl all the best for his new venture and look forward to working with him again in the future. At the same time, I would like to congratulate Jane on her much deserved promotion.”