Former History, MTV Execs Julian P. Hobbs, Elli Hakami Launch Talos

U.S. television producers Julian P. Hobbs, who most recently headed up scripted development and production at History, and Elli Hakami, who was formerly MTVs exec VP of current series and programming, have launched New York-based Talos Films.

U.S. television producers Julian P. Hobbs, who most recently headed up scripted development and production at History, and Elli Hakami, who was formerly MTV’s exec VP of current series and programming, have launched New York-based Talos Films.

The new company, which has the backing of distributor Sky Vision and independent producer October Films, will produce a diverse range of content suitable for a global audience from event documentaries and docu-dramas, to character-driven unscripted series, formatted shows and scripted projects.

At History, Hobbs oversaw “The Bible,” “Vikings” and the upcoming “Roots.” As a VP and EP at History, Hobbs developed and oversaw numerous hits including “Pawn Stars,” “Storage Wars,” “Counting Cars,” “Ice Road Truckers,” “America: The Story of Us,” and the Emmy Award-winning “Gettysburg.” Hobbs also headed up History’s feature documentary unit, executive producing films including Werner Herzog’s “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” and Errol Morris’ “The Unknown Known.”

Related Stories

A hand holding up a controller into the air VIP+

Why the Video Game Industry Can’t Shake Its Struggles

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 01: Christopher Ciccone poses for a portrait while promoting his new book "Life With My Sister Madonna" on August 1, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Christopher Ciccone, Artist and Brother of Madonna, Dies at 63

At Discovery Channel, Hobbs executive produced “The Flight that Fought Back,” “Ocean of Fear” and Academy Award-nominated “Encounters at the End of the World.”

Popular on Variety

At MTV, Hakami oversaw hit series including “Catfish” and “The Challenge,” as well as “True Life” specials. Hakami was previously the senior VP of unscripted programming and production at BBC Worldwide Productions, where she tripled the studio’s unscripted output and oversaw the development and production of many specials and series including “Americans on 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 New York and Los Angeles development offices.

Hobbs and Hakami will serve as co-presidents of Talos Films, which will include Adam Bullmore, head of October Films, and Sky Vision chief Jane Millichip on its board.

Read More About:

Jump to Comments

More from Variety

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Variety Confidential

ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9nfXKCjq2taKaVrMBwttSloJqmXaV6qbvBm6pmnZyhtm60wKSYpqFdoa62usKhZK2ZnKTAbrLIpaSsZWFnfXKCmGlvamxf

 Share!