Gaumont launches US production arm

French production company Gaumont is launching an international production and distribution division based in the US and has set up TV projects with The Tudors creator Michael Hirst and Pushing Daisies creator Bryan Fuller.

Gaumont, which is one of the world’s first production studios and operates kids division Gaumont-Alphanim, is launching Gaumont International Television.

It will have offices in Los Angeles and London and has hired former NBC drama boss Katie O’Connell and former Sony Pictures Television exec Richard Frankie to run the company. It has also hired former Power Television sales boss Erik Pack to run international sales.

The company’s first two television series are Hannibal and Madame Tussaud; Hannibal, which is written and exec produced by Fuller, is a one hour drama based on Thomas Harris’ serial killer character, and Madame Tussaud is a 6x1hr miniseries based on the book by Michelle Moran and written by Hirst.

“As we looked to expand our global presence in television it became clear that the next logical step was to launch Gaumont International Television. As a leading independent studio we are looking to build a company that is nimble, global and creative in this ever changing television landscape,” said Gaumont CEO Sidonie Dumas.