Tinopolis invests in ex-ITV exec’s new indie

Producer and distributor Tinopolis has invested in former ITV exec Claire Zolkwer’s, UK-based production company Thunderclap Media.

Thunderclap, headed by Zolkwer (pictured) as managing director, will focus on a range of content including scripted and non-scripted entertainment and comedy.

The start-up prodco is joining Tinopolis’ established portfolio of production companies, including Sunset+Vine, Mentorn Media, Firecracker, Pioneer, Daybreak Pictures, Fiction Factory and Tinopolis Cymru in the UK as well as A.Smith & Co and Magical Elves in the US.

Zolkwer was most recently a commissioning editor for comedy and entertainment at ITV, where she ordered hit shows including Celebrity Juice, The Only Way Is Essex, Through the Keyhole, You’re Back in the Room, Off Their Rockers, Plebs and The Jonathan Ross Show.

She said: “By concentrating on ideas which will put a smile on viewers’ faces, Thunderclap is looking to uncover brand new formats to cater for the voracious appetite for content from the many different platforms in the market.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the UK’s best producers and talent on some fantastic shows, so I’m under no illusion how difficult it can be, but this feels like the right time for me. Tinopolis is the perfect home for Thunderclap, so I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Arwel Rees, chief executive of the Tinopolis Group, said: “Claire is a hugely talented and respected TV executive with a proven track record and a real nose for great entertainment shows. We’re delighted to welcome her to the larger group.”