‘Boiling Point’ prodco Ascendant Fox hires Netflix exec, strikes BBC Studios development deal

Boiling Point

Boiling Point prodco Ascendant Fox has added a former Netflix acquisitions exec and a producer of Paddington 2 to its execs ranks, and struck a development pact with BBC Studios (BBCS).

BBCS will gain a first look on distribution rights from the prodco, which is behind the Boiling Point movie and series, as well as forthcoming show Gassed Up.

It was founded in 2022 when Hester Ruoff’s Burton Fox Films and Bart Ruspoli’s Ascendant Films were merged, following the success of the Boiling Point movie.

Ascendant Fox has also hired Hannah Perks, Netflix’s former head of film acquisitions & co-productions for the UK and EMEA, who becomes head of development.

While at Netflix, Perks commissioned Bank Of Dave and Inside Man, the latter a co-commission and co-production with the BBC. She previously held positions at Lionsgate, Channel4 and Aardman Animations.

Victoria Zalin, meanwhile, become head of production having worked on shows such as Morbius, My Cousin Rachel, Far From The Madding Crowd and aforementioed Paddington 2.

Ruoff and Ruspoli said: “Kate Woods and their team have been a huge support for our debut television series Boiling Point and we can’t wait to share news on our next productions. In addition, we are absolutely delighted to have Hannah Perks and Victoria Zalin join our team bringing with them a wealth of experience in both film and television production.”

BBCS recently struck development deals with the producers of Mood, Bonafide Films, and in March 2023 with Rebel Rebel Pictures, the new primetime entertainment and factual entertainment indie from Simon Shalgosky and Daniel Brookes.