Gravity Media, the broadcast production and outside broadcast services company, has promoted Ed Tischler to the position of acting managing director.
Tischler (pictured) will lead the integration of the former Gearhouse Broadcast, Hyperactive Broadcast and Input Media businesses in the UK. The three companies, along with Australian live studio and production services company Chief Entertainment, were recently rehoused under the ‘Gravity Media’ name in a rebranding process undertaken by parent company Gravity Media Group.
Tischler, who joined Gearhouse Broadcast in 2007, will be responsible for the strategic direction and commercial performance of all of Gravity Media’s UK-based operations. This includes the Media Services & Facilities, Production & Content and Equipment Rental & Sales units.
It has also been announced that Gearhouse Broadcast’s Layla Cook has been promoted to the role of Gravity Media’s UK broadcast equipment rental manager.
Tischler, who will report to chief executive John Newton, will work closely with James Gander, who continues to oversee Gravity House, the Soho post-production facility, plus the integrated workflows service for live broadcast and feature film post-production. Tischler will also work alongside Steve Norris, who recently joined as director, production and content after leaving his role as head of commercial sports rights at pay-television broadcaster BT Sport.
Tischler became Gearhouse Broadcast’s managing director in the UK in September 2017 after being promoted from his head of projects position. Cook joined Gearhouse Broadcast in 2001 and will now oversee Gravity Media’s inventory of broadcast equipment, including 4K-ready lenses, cameras and live production tools.
Tischler said: “While Gravity Media may be a new name, we have 30-years of experience of delivering world class content and it’s exciting for me to lead this talented and experienced team going forward. The production, programming and content services we can now provide under one roof have been carefully brought together to suit every broadcast need and help to guide professionals through the ever-changing media landscape.”
Gravity Media Group acquired HyperActive Broadcast in 2015 and the following year it secured substantial investment from TowerBrook Capital Partners before assuming control of sports production company Input Media and Australian communications solutions company Stranger Designs.
Input Media has been the production partner of the English Football Association since 2008 and provides live multi-camera coverage of selected FA Cup ties. It has also worked on projects with Rugby Australia, the Uefa Champions League and Europa League club football competitions and the Australian Supercars Championship.