Tinopolis Group Backs Claire Zolkwer’s Thunderclap Media

U.K.-based international media producer and distributor Tinopolis Group has invested in Thunderclap Media, a new venture from former ITV executive Claire Zolkwer. Tinopolis announced Monday that it would be backing the startup, which will focus on producing a wide range of content including scripted and non-scripted entertainment and comedy.

Zolkwer, who serves as managing director of Thunderclap Media, said the new production company was looking to “uncover 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 U.K.’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,” said Zolkwer in a statement. “Tinopolis is the perfect home for Thunderclap, so I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Zolkwer set up Thunderclap Media after having most recently served as a commissioning editor for comedy and entertainment at ITV, Britain’s biggest commercial broadcaster. At ITV, she commissioned hits such as “Celebrity Juice,” “The Only Way Is Essex,” and “The Jonathan Ross Show.” Zolkwer has also worked as a producer on reality shows “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here” and “Big Brother.”

Tinopolis Group already houses a portfolio of established production companies, including “Hell’s Kitchen” producers A. Smith & Co. Other companies under the Tinopolis banner include Sunset+Vine, Mentorn Media, Firecracker, Pioneer, Daybreak Pictures, Fiction Factory, Tinopolis Cymru and U.S. company Magical Elves.

In January, Tinopolis appointed former NBCUniversal executive David Mortimer as its director of content, with responsibility over the group’s U.K. content direction and performance.

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