Production company Whisper has announced it has opened a new entertainment arm in Manchester called Whisper North.
The new entertainment hub, based at dock10 in MediaCity, will be led by former ITV director of Entertainment North Tom McLennan who has worked on a list of shows including Judge Rinder and Jeremy Kyle’s The Kyle Files.
He joins as Whisper North’s Managing Director alongside Anna Andrews, former production and development executive for ITV Studios Entertainment, who will join as development production executive.
Whisper North will aim to generate entertainment show formats and operate as a regional office for the production firm’s sporting production.
In addition to generating entertainment formats, the firm will seek to bolster its relations with BBC Sport in Salford and Channel 4 Sport based in Leeds.
Whisper, founded by Sunil Patel, broadcaster Jake Humphrey and former Formula One driver David Coulthard, has a sporting remit which includes The Paralympics, Formula One, International Cricket and International Rugby.
The entertainment hub has also secured funded development from three different channels and will sit alongside a broadcast pilot Whisper is currently producing.
McLennan said: “I am really excited to be joining the Whisper Group at a time of incredible growth. Whisper is a truly dynamic and ambitious company whose values reflect my own, and the support, kindness, and can-do attitude that we’ve experienced from everyone in the business has been inspiring.
“I’ve worked with some amazing talent in the North over the last 20 years and I can’t wait to introduce them to Whisper and to some of the big ideas we have in the pipeline.
Sunil Patel, CEO and co-founder of Whisper, added: “We’re keen for Whisper North to replicate the progress we’ve experienced with our Nations office, Whisper Cymru. Since opening in 2019, we’ve invested in local talent, developed new facilities and staff positions and experienced 50% growth.
“Tom’s connections and significant experience are a great asset and can only help us to establish a strong presence in the North of England, which has been our focus for some time.”
