A Real Pain outfit sets up Puzzle Pictures, led by Fear City director
US outfit Topic Studios is expanding into the UK with the launch of factual sub-label Puzzle Pictures.
Led by Emmy-nominated and Grierson-winning director Sam Hobkinson, Puzzle Pictures will focus on premium non-fiction projects for global streamers and cinematic documentaries. Hobkinson’s directing credits include Netflix’s Lover Stalker Killer and Fear City: New York vs The Mafia and Misha and the Wolves.
Hobkinson said: “Puzzle Pictures aims to be the leading light in modern documentary filmmaking – producing groundbreaking work, collaborating with top talent, nurturing new voices and also partnering with companies worldwide to deliver creative guidance in an increasingly global field.”
Christine Connor, senior vice-president of non-fiction series and documentary at Topic Studios said Hobkinson is “one of the most distinctive voices” working in unscripted.
She continued: “His work combines rigorous reporting with a cinematic sensibility that makes complex stories both propulsive and emotionally resonant. That approach aligns perfectly with the slate we’ve been building at Topic, and we’re thrilled to partner with him in launching Puzzle Pictures.”
Topic Studios, which counts feature films A Real Pain, Spencer and Spotlight in its portfolio, plans to further expand its presence in the UK through strategic partnerships with leading filmmakers, writers and producers to build new companies and develop a slate of premium projects designed for global audiences.
Founded and led by chief executive Michael Bloom, the New York-based studio develops, produces and finances films, television series, and podcasts.
Ian Stratford, chief operating officer of First Look Media and Topic Studios, said: “As Topic continues to grow, expanding our presence in the UK allows us to build within one of the world’s most dynamic filmmaking communities.
“We’re focused on building a studio that operates globally while maintaining close, long-term creative partnerships with exceptional filmmakers. Sam and Puzzle Pictures represent exactly that kind of collaboration.”
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