Animation, commercial design and short-form post house Th1ng has started a dedicated live action production company.

Th2ng, which will be headed by producer Hannah Cooper, has taken on three experienced live action directors: Dan Lumb, Simon Cracknell and Stuart Fryer.

Their experience will complement that of eight other directors, including Alp Boysan who also has experience in live action. Th1ng will complete all the post on Th2ng's productions.

A spokesman said the current depressed economic climate inspired the launch of the company: “Companies are looking at the potential and background of their staff and trying to diversify accordingly. During normal economic times, companies may be more complacent about opportunities.”

Th2ng, based at Th1ng's premises in Wardour Street, has already directed and produced its first major commission, for Comic Relief, to be screened early next year.