The unscripted show will return toAustralias pubcaster next year following its first seven-part season earlier this fall.
In a short and relatively volatile period the company has grown rapidly.
Whats most pleasing is the growth and success we have experienced across both scripted and unscripted.
Sam Neill’s appearance on ‘The Assembly’ (left) and show producer Mark FennessyABC; Helium
DEADLINE:Helium has been operating for three years now.
What have been the most unexpected moments as a true independent after running consolidated indies for years before?
In a short and relatively volatile period, the company has grown rapidly.
‘Paper Dolls’Tony Mott
Whats most pleasing is the growth and success we have experienced across both scripted and unscripted.
Whats your read on the country and its production sector?
There is certainly greater competition for fewer commissions, but the mood is generally one of optimism.
Australia clearly still remains one of the most attractive locations to produce premium television and film.
DEADLINE:How has Helium tried to carve out its USP?
Were truly independent with the experience and understanding of domestic and international markets to successfully cross genre.
DEADLINE:Can you describe the way youve interacted with distributors?
How do you take a stab at keep rights and revenues with Helium?
Its about the meaningful spirit of partnership and striving for a win-win.
DEADLINE:You ran Fremantle Australia and Endemol Shine Australia with your brother, Carl.
Whats it been like going solo and will you work with him again?
Carl is a super talent and were constantly in touch.
Im loving the new experience and team at Helium, but you never say never.
DEADLINE:How does the music label part of your business fit in with the rest of it?
MF:Music remains both a personal passion and a strategic commercial pillar of the company.
We also have some music-based documentary projects coming, which carry an attractive commercial upside for the business.
DEADLINE:You adapted the French format The Assembly for Australian audiences.
Any more plans along remake lines?
More recently weve been working with Gersh.
DEADLINE:Any plans to sell equity in Helium at the moment?
MF:Right now, were heavily focused on building the business across premium scripted, unscripted and factual/documentary.
