Ex-Channel 4 entertainment chief Phil Harris launches Fremantle-backed unscripted firm

L-R: Phil Harris & Lou Hutchinson

Phil Harris, the former head of entertainment at UK broadcaster Channel 4, has launched Boldprint Studios, an unscripted production company, with backing from Fremantle.

Boldprint will focus on creating and developing unscripted formats across reality, entertainment and factual entertainment for domestic and international broadcasters and streaming platforms.

Former Twofour head of entertainment, Lou Hutchinson, has been appointed as the company’s creative director.

Fremantle has taken a minority stake in the newly formed Boldprint, with the investment reuniting Harris and Hutchinson with the company, the two having both served as executives at Thames under Fremantle UK CEO, Amelia Brown.

Harris left his role at Channel 4 in October 2023, following four years at the UK comcaster. During his tenure, he commissioned shows including Tempting Fortune, The Last Leg and Late Night Lycett. At the time it was announced that he would be setting up a new production company.

While at Thames, Harris oversaw existing brands such as Take Me Out, Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor for ITV, as well as new titles including The Greatest Dancer for BBC One, the reboot of Supermarket Sweep for ITV and Eating With My Ex for BBC Three.

Hutchinson has been head of entertainment at Twofour since 2021, developing, producing and creating reality and entertainment titles including I Kissed A Boy for BBC Three, Make Me Prime Minister for Channel 4 and Loaded In Paradise for ITVX.

“Our company blueprint will be built on creating bold, scalable global formats; an ambition which aligns perfectly with Fremantle’s global distribution plans,” said Harris. “Talent development on and off screen is key to our strategy, and that begins with Lou who I’m delighted is starting this journey with me. She’s an entertainment and reality powerhouse; an exceptional creative leader who’s consistently delivered huge scale formats at the highest level.”

Brown added: “At Fremantle we are committed to working with the very best and Phil and Lou both have incredible passion, talent and commitment to not only creating the next big entertainment formats, but also in nurturing new talent.

“They have been behind some of the most talked about and cutting-edge shows of recent years and we are thrilled to welcome them back to the Fremantle family and look forward to supporting them in their ambitions for growth.”