Red Bull exec creates unscripted prodco

Red Bull Media House exec Brian Lavin has created an unscripted production company, bagging a coproduction deal with Rob Shaftel’s Hit+Run in the process.

Bee Media will focus on unscripted programming, and launches with a slate of science- and culture-focused formats.

Lavin (right) is known for series such as Red Bull’s The Horn and The Road Trick, but also spent decade at Discovery Communications, where he produced series such as The Unexplained Files for Science Channel.

The copro deal with Hit+Run will see Lavin create, develop and produce programmes that the two companies will coproduce.

Bee Media is LA based, while Hit+Run is headquartered in New York, with bases in Canada and the UK.

Lavin will work closely with Hit+Run founder and executive producer Shaftel (left) and senior director of development Noah Korn.

Former ITV Studios America development exec Shaftel and Lavin will be executive producers on all resulting series.

They collaborated on Red Bull’s recent series Way Past Midnight.

“I am thrilled to be partnering with Rob and Hit+Run. Between his track record of success and his dedication to unique aesthetic, editorial ambition and big ideas, I couldn’t think of a better fit,” said Lavin.

“Our sensibilities have always aligned, having successfully developed and produced many projects over the years and this partnership is an organic way to continue to build on that success.”

Hit+Run launches last year with a plan to create high concept and character-driven series and original formats. Besides working with Red Bull, it has also worked with Animal Planet, History and National Geographic since launch.