Executive Board

As Chief Executive Officer, Hilary guides John Gore Studios’ strategic growth and commercial vision, leveraging 35 years of leadership in TV, film, and literary IP. Her record of transforming properties into worldwide phenomena—evidenced by her success as CEO of Agatha Christie Ltd and as co-founder and CEO of International Literary Properties—positions her to drive JGS toward bold new ventures. Through acquisition, deft dealmaking and brand expansion, Hilary will further diversify JGS’s creative portfolio, nurturing cross-platform storytelling and forging strategic partnerships to ensure the studio’s influence continues to grow globally. Previous board roles included MD of Acorn Productions, and Commercial Director for both Chorion and Hat Trick Productions, where she worked across multiple shows, including Have I Got News For You and Father Ted. Hilary has an MA in Law from Cambridge, is an active member of the BAFTA commercial committee, a director on the board of the National Film and Television School and sits as Chair of Mischief Worldwide.

As Chief Acquisition Officer & Head of Finance, 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 Creative Director, 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, and Lucan. Most recently, Francis produced My Duchess for John Gore Studios and is currently Executive producing Fightland, an eight-part drama series for Starz.

As Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, 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 Head of Creative Development 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 a Consultant and Executive Producer, Emma works closely with the John Gore Studios team to find, develop and deliver new stories and heritage IP for global audiences. Emma has held leadership roles in broadcasters, production companies and start-ups. Her work spans TV, Film, Theatre, Digital, Audio and Publishing. She has developed multiple book-to-screen adaptations as well as original comedy, drama and genre projects. Emma is the Chair of children’s playwriting charity Scene & Heard; a Wonder Women TV Mentor; and a guest tutor at the National Film and Television School.

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 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 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.

As Executive Assistant to CEO Hilary Strong, Lucy plays a key role in keeping the studio organised and running smoothly. She brings over 25 years of experience supporting senior leaders across film and the wider entertainment industry. Her career spans a range of fast-paced organisations, including One of Us, NBCUniversal, Universal Music Group, the British Film Institute and the London Film School, supporting executives, boards and creative teams. Lucy is known for her calm, highly organised and adaptable approach, and for bringing clarity and structure in complex, high-pressure environments. 

As Personal Assistant to Jonathan Lack and Anouska Spiers, Jess ensures the efficient running of the Acquisitions, Legal and Financial departments at John Gore Studios. Her previous experience includes supporting high-profile clients and dynamic teams across the Film, TV and Theatre industries during her roles at Hatch Talent, RADA, and four years at Curtis Brown. Jess brings expertise in managing complex schedules and workflows within creative environments, ensuring that the executive offices function with clarity, consistency, and professionalism.

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 Festival Coordinator, Harrison ensures seamless communication and organisational efficiency across the events and festivals attended by John Gore Studios executives. With 10 years of experience working across multiple industries and continents, he brings a strong operational background alongside a passion for film and television. Harrison applies a structured and detail-driven approach to coordinating executive logistics, managing complex schedules and aligning stakeholders across high-profile international festivals.

As Operations Coordinator, Max supports the smooth running of day-to-day office operations at John Gore Studios. With a background in the law industry, having worked in both Barristers’ Chambers and Solicitors’ firms, he brings strong organisational skills and experience from fast-paced professional environments. Max now applies this operational and administrative expertise to help ensure the office runs efficiently while supporting teams across the business.