Julian Hobbs, Elli Hakami Launch Talos Films With Sky Vision, October Backing

Former History and MTV execs Julian P. Hobbs and Elli Hakami are joining forces to launch Talos Films. Based in New York, the new company will create and produce content aimed at global audiences including event documentaries, docu-dramas, scripted and unscripted series and formats. Backing for the shingle comes from Sky Vision, the international distribution and production arm of Sky; and UK-U.S. indie October Films.

Hobbs most recently headed up scripted development and production at History, where he oversaw The Bible, Vikings and the upcoming Roots. His other credits include Pawn Stars, Storage Wars, Ice Road Truckers, and Gettysburg, for which he won an Emmy in 2011. Hobbs also headed up History’s feature documentary unit, executive producing films like Werner Herzog’s Cave Of Forgotten Dreams and Errol Morris’ The Unknown Known. He also was an exec producer at Discovery and headed up production at New York Times Television.

Hakami was formerly MTV’s EVP of Current Series and Programming, with credits including Catfish and The Challenge. Prior to MTV, the exec was SVP of Unscripted Programming and Production at BBC Worldwide Productions, where she oversaw the development and production of many successful specials and series including: Americans In Bed (HBO), Emmy-nominated Life Below Zero (NatGeo), Richard Hammond’s Crash Course (BBCA) and What Not To Wear (TLC). Hakami also launched and led Discovery’s NY and LA development offices.

The pair will serve as co-Presidents of Talos Films. Adam Bullmore, MD of October Films, and Jane Millichip, Sky Vision MD, will sit on its board. CAA is repping Talos.

Related stories

Sky Acquires Majority Stake In Blast! Films

'Kung Fu Panda 3' Review: Po Is Back And Better Than Ever

'SNL' Writer Chris Kelly On His Segue To Tragicomedy With 'Other People' - Sundance Studio

Get more from Deadline.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter