Founded on a proven expertise and strong relationships, and with a vision for something truly exceptional, HELIUM is ‘project next’ for Mark Fennessy, the internationally respected, innovator, entrepreneur and creator of premium content across all facets of the production industry.
An independent production label with a primary focus on premium scripted and premium factual, HELIUM will create and produce original content for all platforms, networks and mediums. The company’s initial slate includes the highly anticipated drama series Last King of The Cross currently in early pre-production for Paramount+, the feature film 6 Festivals also for Paramount+, and in advanced development - the crime thriller series Sex and Thugs and Rock n Roll (a joint venture with Richard Lowenstein and his company GHOST).
In making the announcement founder and Chief Creative Officer Mark Fennessy said: “In HELIUM I’m building something truly unique - an aggressive, yet lean and nimble disruptor, powered by originality through partnering with brave outliers, artists, curators and storytellers.
“There is a voracious appetite out there for compelling content - presenting enormous potential for a new player with vast experience. HELIUM is a contemporary label for this new landscape,” he continued.
Through the power of these elements and the confidence that comes with a proven track record, HELIUM – comprising Helium Studios, Helium Pictures and Helium Records - will specialise in the creation of innovative, authentic and compelling content, whilst redefining the boundaries between music and pictures.
Having steered independent production label Crackerjack before forming FremantleMedia in Australia, to launching the powerhouse Shine with brother Carl and Elisabeth Murdoch, through to overseeing the merger with Endemol to create the juggernaut Endemol Shine Australia, Mark is synonymous with the production pillars of the Australian television industry.
With a global vision coupled with his accomplished business acumen, Mark has overseen an extraordinary portfolio of television franchises and super brands which cross genres – from blockbuster unscripted hits to critically acclaimed (and wildly popular) scripted content - which has seen him ranked no 1 in the Australian Financial Review’s Cultural List.