Executive Board

As Chief Financial Officer, Jonathan directs the acquisition and financial architecture of John Gore Studios, focusing on growth, investment, and strategic acquisition. Backed by 25 years of experience advising FTSE100 and 250 companies at Ernst & Young, Credit Suisse, and beyond, he orchestrates JGS’s expansion across entertainment and media through the acquisitions of catalogues, intellectual property and production companies. Having been instrumental in the studio’s initial acquisitions, Jonathan’s primary goal at JGS is to cultivate robust capital strategies, identify further high-potential acquisitions, and shape long-term corporate planning—ensuring the studio remains agile, profitable, and poised for future success. Since leaving the City in 2012, Jonathan has advised a range of high growth companies on their financial performance and growth strategies and has acted as a fractional Finance Director for a number of these clients, in recent years finding a passion for the media sector.

As Chief Creative Officer, Francis oversees the development and production of scripted content across John Gore Studios and its labels, guiding projects from conception through to delivery. He works closely with writers, directors, and creative partners to build distinctive, commercially driven content with global appeal. Francis is an accomplished producer with more than 25 years’ experience developing and delivering high-end television drama. He has held senior creative and executive roles across the UK industry, producing acclaimed, award-winning work for all major broadcasters and international partners.

Before joining John Gore Studios, Francis founded the independent production company Expanded Media, developing projects with Amazon, BBC, ITV, Disney+, and Starz. His earlier career included senior positions at ITV Studios, Lookout Point, Left Bank Pictures, and Channel 4, where he commissioned and produced a range of landmark dramas. His extensive credits include Wallander, Home Fires, Trauma, Tutankhamun, Bancroft, Lucan, and Fightland.

As Chief Operating Officer, Anouska oversees the operations, and business and legal affairs for John Gore Studios. In addition, she leads the strategic growth and commercial vision for Hammer Films. Anouska’s expertise is in the management, exploitation and protection of IP-driven franchises and entertainment properties to ensure their long-term growth, legacy and ability to delight future generations of fans.  Anouska has worked with leading global entertainment franchises including J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, where she was part of the team behind the launch of Pottermore, and Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman. Anouska also has experience of working with heritage brands and renowned literary estates through her position at International Literary Properties and ongoing collaboration with the Estate of Ray Bradbury. Anouska is a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales, specialising in media and entertainment law, and intellectual property.

As Creative Director for John Gore Studios, Jamie shapes the studio’s content strategy, identifying and developing promising stories and guiding them from concept to delivery. Through a blend of reverence for heritage and a passion for innovation, Jamie champions British storytelling on the global stage, creating content that honours tradition while breaking new ground. He has developed projects for BBC, ITV, Sky, Hammer Films and Epic Story Media across scripted and unscripted formats for TV & Film, publishing, and multi-platform expansive story worlds. Jamie continues his stewardship of the iconic Gerry Anderson legacy celebrating his father’s rich creative heritage, including classic properties such as Thunderbirds and Space:1999, while ensuring they still connect with a global audience. In parallel, he is a founder of Deep Fusion Films, where he explores the cutting edge of storytelling and production technology, including the pioneering ethical use of synthetic media and AI. Recent projects include the groundbreaking AI chat show format, Virtually Parkinson, and Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters.

As Head of Brand & Communications, Ellen propels John Gore Studios’ narrative in the global marketplace. With over a decade of integrated marketing and brand-building experience—from nonprofit digital communications in Australia to campaign management at advertising agencies and brand leadership at high-profile entertainment portfolios in London—she positions JGS and its affiliated companies with clarity and impact. Ellen will continue to refine the studio’s voice, aligning communications across diverse platforms, implementing unified marketing strategies, forging strategic partnerships, and amplifying the JGS brand so it resonates with audiences worldwide.

As Creative Assistant to Francis Hopkinson, Theo supports the day-to-day running of the Creative team at John Gore Studios and their development slate. He previously spent four years at Curtis Brown in the Media Rights team, working closely with UTA and coordinating across UK and US teams. During this time, he helped identify IP for production companies and high-level talent, and negotiated options deals that sent new projects into development. Theo brings extensive knowledge of the IP landscape alongside a keen eye for material and experience running a fast-paced office with calm and composure.

As Financial Controller, Tom oversees reporting, planning and financial controls. A Chartered Accountant, he qualified while working as an auditor before moving into the entertainment industry. During his time at ITV, Tom supported finance teams for in-house production labels, then joined Eleven Film as Management Accountant, working across company reporting and supporting production finance. At Raw TV, he focused on improving financial systems and reporting processes. Tom brings a steady, practical approach to finance and enjoys working closely with the JGS teams to keep operations running smoothly.

As Finance Manager at John Gore Studios, Catherine works closely with the Financial Controller across financial reporting, planning and analysis, while supporting the wider financial operations of the business. Before joining John Gore Studios, Catherine spent several years at StudioCanal UK. Her role included budgeting and forecasting for digital sales and home entertainment, giving her experience across the financial planning cycle within the film industry.

Earlier in her career, Catherine worked in commercial finance at PA Consulting, supporting partners and project managers with financial and commercial performance across a range of client projects. She is a qualified CIMA accountant, bringing a strong commercial and analytical foundation to her work across the studio’s finance function.

As Accounts Payable Manager, Isabella oversees the end-to-end accounts payable function, ensuring accurate financial processing, strong supplier relationships, and efficient payment operations. With 3 years of previous accounts payable experience at Soho House, she has developed a strong understanding of financial controls, process improvement, and delivering high standards of accuracy. Isabella is committed to supporting the business through effective financial management and operational excellence.

As Assistant Accountant, Timothy supports the finance team across John Gore Studios and its labels, helping to maintain accurate accounting and clear financial reporting. His role provides colleagues with dependable data to inform decision-making and ensure financial visibility across the group. A graduate of Loughborough University with a BSc in Business Economics and Finance, Timothy brings strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to developing his expertise.

At John Gore Studios, Sarina supports the Chief Financial Officer and Finance team, helping drive the smooth delivery of the studio’s financial operations with discretion, precision and exceptional attention to detail.

Sarina brings a background spanning luxury fashion, interiors, property and executive support. She has built her career at the intersection of creative and commercial businesses, working alongside senior leaders and high-net-worth clients on complex, high-profile projects. Before joining John Gore Studios, Sarina worked in luxury interior design, overseeing international projects from concept through to installation, coordinating clients, designers, suppliers and contractors to deliver ambitious creative visions. She later moved into executive support within the luxury fashion industry, working closely with senior leadership and gaining extensive experience in fast-paced, international environments.

As Legal and Rights Director, Emma leads rights management at John Gore Studios, ensuring the company has clear ownership and control of underlying rights across its film and television slate, including chain of title and trademark matters. She also supports the development and execution of film and television agreements across the business. Emma joins from NBCUniversal, where she worked in Business and Legal Affairs negotiating licensing and commercial agreements for major global franchises. She is a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales, specialising in intellectual property and entertainment law.

As People Director, Zaneta oversees the people strategy across John Gore Studios and its labels, supporting the group’s growth and creative ambitions through its people, talent and organisational development. Working closely with the leadership team, Zaneta is instrumental in aligning organisational capability with the studio’s long-term direction.

With more than 15 years of international experience, Zaneta has held senior roles at Footballco Media, PA Media Group, Gamma Communications and Jaguar Land Rover. She has led organisational change through periods of significant growth and transformation, with expertise spanning acquisitions and integrations, international expansion and leadership development. Zaneta combines commercial insight with a pragmatic approach, enabling businesses to scale while preserving the distinctive cultures of acquired companies. Having completed the University of Oxford’s Leading AI Implementation programme, she is particularly interested in how AI can improve organisational effectiveness and create more space for creativity and collaboration.

As Operations Coordinator, Stephanie supports the day-to-day operations of John Gore Studios, including office administration, onboarding, compliance, health and safety, and the creation of efficient operational processes. She brings experience in operations and production management across live entertainment and performing arts education. Prior to relocating to London, Stephanie was Schools’ Operations Manager at The National Ballet and Drama Schools in Melbourne, where she oversaw operations across five performing arts programmes, managed 35 annual events, and introduced systems to improve efficiency and collaboration. She holds a Master of Communications degree from Monash University, specialising in Cultural and Creative Industries and is passionate about creating operational frameworks that enable ambitious creative work to be delivered successfully.