BBC Studios backs new entertainment indie Jolly Octopus

Backed by BBC Studios Global Entertainment, Jolly Octopus will develop entertainment formats that aim to appeal to audiences around the globe. BBC Studios will share IP of its formats along with distribution rights.

Both from the UK and now living in the US, Brack and Longman first met working at MTV in 2001.

Longman went on to become a two-time Emmy-winning Executive Producer of The Late Late Show with James Corden, Carpool Karaoke: McCartney Live from Liverpool and the Jamie Foxx Netflix special What Had Happened Was. Before moving to LA he was Head of Programmes at Talkback Productions.

A BAFTA-winning Executive Producer, Brack was Head of Entertainment and Comedy at Monkey Kingdom where he co-created, sold and oversaw a slate of returning shows and international format sales such as The Question Jury, Don’t Hate The Playaz and The Emily Atack Show. He then moved to LA to launch and run Monkey’s first US office.

Jolly Octopus has also signed an agreement with Matisse, Nick Curwin and Scarlett Ewens’s UK-based indie advisory service, which has a minority stake in the new venture and will be providing strategic and commercial support.  

Brack and Longman said: “This company is something very special to us and we’re thrilled to be launching in partnership with BBC Studios to make joyful, entertainment formats with our colleagues and partners in London and Los Angeles.”

Matt Forde, Managing Director, BBC Studios Global Entertainment added: “Ollie and James are brilliant creatives and bring to the partnership a great track record in developing entertaining content with top tier talent that appeals to all audiences.”