Sony launches TV production firm

David Mortimer (l) and Richard Hopkins have a number of hit BBC shows to their credit

Sony has launched its first venture into independent television production with a new company headed by two former BBC executives.

Fever Media will be run by David Mortimer and Richard Hopkins, whose recent screen credits include Strictly Come Dancing and Dragons' Den.

Sony have expressed an interest in creating new programmes and developing capacity for producing them.

Mr Mortimer's career at the BBC spanned 15 years.

He spent his last three years at the corporation as creative head of factual entertainment, spearheading the BBC's expansion into the US.

Mr Hopkins spent three years at the BBC working in format entertainment.

Rod Stringer, chairman of Sony BMG, said the new venture would enable them to create a "multi-dimensional entertainment company".

The pair recently left their posts at the BBC.