Tim Sparke

Tim set up MercuryMedia in 2000 as a production and distribution company specializing in raising finance for factual programming. Tim oversees all matters relating to MercuryMedia and along with Aggregator TV, has recently launched the new documentary broadband service joiningthedots.tv, which aims to be the number one destination for solid documentaries.

Tim's previous work includes stints at Walt Disney/ABC, Thames Television, Itel and WTN. At WTN he set up its successful Programmes and Entertainment Division. He is a graduate of London Business School and Sussex University in the UK and Northwestern University in the US. Tim supports Chelsea Football Club and relaxes with Hatha Yoga.

Mercury Media International

MercuryMedia was set up to develop and distribute factual programming for the international television market. In six years it has become a recognised source for high quality series, entertainment magazines and one offs. Its catalogue has attracted the programming of some of the world?s leading production companies.

What sets Mercury apart from its rivals is its ability to match the best programming to the most appropriate broadcaster. Put simply we make it our business to know what broadcasters want and how producers can provide it. Whether its ideas at treatment stage where we have the skills to co-develop proposals into commissionable properties, or finished programmes where we are hired to distribute, we put passion and dedication into our task.

We are only interested in high quality factual programmes. We prefer series but will consider exceptional single documentaries. We are selective about who we work with but are keen to develop new as well as proven talent.

Our clients include the UK majors, "top-end" US broadcasters and leading international networks. All our programmes have international appeal and are subject driven.

Our producer clients include Michael Hoff Productions, DCTV, Coal River Pictures, DTT Documentaries, Babalu Pictures, Louder Than Words, Storyteller Productions, CTVC, Globalvision, Les Films Grain de Sable and Insight News TV. We also regularly teach development skills to established and aspiring producers with the Documentary Filmmakers Group.

Recent successes include THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS, sold to over 40 territories, EMMY nominated documentary THE COLOUR OF OIL, Danny Schechter's award winning, WMD: WEAPONS OF MASS DECEPTION, VICTIM 0001, a 9/11 special for ITV, THE KURSK: A SUBMARINE IN TROUBLED WATERS, which was the highest ever rated documentary in a Friday night slot in France, with over 4 million viewers.

For 2006 we are making a concerted acquisitions drive and are actively looking for more producers to work with. Our most recent partners include Coal River Pictures, DTT Documentaries and Babalu Pictures and we look forward to fruitful relationships with all of them.

Projects in development include CHOIR SCHOOL: a six part series on the workings of Westminster Cathedral Choir School - THE HISTORY OF SHOWBIZ: a 10 part series, in association with 3BM TV - THRILLER SCIENCE: A look at the science behind the world?s biggest blockbuster novels - HEX OR HOAX: A game show involving strange and bizarre true and false stories.