Remy Blumenfeld and Justin Bodle’s Purecom commit £3m to launch creative incubator ‘the Hot House’
Television producers Justin Bodle and Remy Blumenfeld have committed £3m to get new creative incubator the Hot House off the ground, to help the UK’s content creators to start their own production companies.
The Hot House hopes to attract leading content creators into establishing their own businesses by providing a creative platform to work from.
One of the key differences between The Hot House model and standard backing in the independent sector is that it is creatively based and not aligned to any broadcaster, private equity fund or distribution group.
Justin Bodle said it was a deliberate choice to keep independence at the heart of the venture: “Our whole approach is collaborative rather than corporate. We want to be light on our feet and always free to find the best partners for any given project. By capitalizing the business and operating a unique partnership model The Hot House intends to provide senior innovators with leading expertise in this arena, strong motivation and the best possible environment in which to create content.”
The Hot House is backed by the newly formed Purecom Entertainment International, Bodle's multidisciplinary media investment group.
Purecom will operate as an active management group for the Hot House, its first big investment, while a series of acquisitions are expected to be announced by the group over the coming months.
The Hot House will initially offer up to 10 creative teams the opportunity to launch their own labels. Former ITVS production manager, Jo Juson, has joined as Head of Production.
Remy Blumenfeld’s independent production company, Thinking Violets, will trade as part of the new group.
Blumenfeld said: “The idea for The Hot House came out of conversations with friends and former colleagues who love developing, pitching and producing shows, but currently feel constrained. The UK is a recognised centre of excellence for content creation, but there is little support out there for creative entrepreneurs. This is all about literally hot-housing talent for the first years until they are self-sustaining.”