Former Warner Bros head of TV launches Big Owl Pictures production company

Former head of television at Warner Bros Australia, Shaun Murphy, has announced the launch of television and film production company Big Owl Pictures, backed by private equity group, Balance Vector. Murphy will serve as CEO and executive producer.

The new outfit will develop and produce all genres of unscripted content, as well as select scripted and film projects for domestic platforms and the international marketplace, bringing a new wave of content into the global arena.

Murphy brings a mix of experience to the company, from his three-year tenure as executive producer at Shine Australia and six years as head of television at Warner Bros Australia where he was responsible for executing The Masked Singer, The Bachelor, First Dates, Who Do You Think You Are, Back In Time For Dinner, Celebrity Apprentice, The Bachelorette, Little Big Shots, Dancing With The Stars and many more. He also executive produced Australia’s Next Top Model, Dying For Everest, the syndicated Coolfuel Roadtrip and produced the Emmy-nominated Crips & Bloods: Made In America.

Murphy said: “Whether it’s an intimate story or a giant global format, at Big Owl we’ll look at everything as a story that can be built into something magnificent. Our strategic partnership with Balance Vector, led by the phenomenal Steve Luczo, gives us access to a vast array of content ideas to explore across sport, property, communications, tech and talent.”

Balance Vector founder and former Chairman & CEO of Seagate Technology Steve Luczo said: “Shaun is a world-class content creator & leader, with his teams known for executing to the highest of quality. Having worked on content previously with Shaun and seeing him and his teams supercharge so many of the world’s great formats, we’re excited to see the team grow its slate and be part of the Big Owl adventure.”

"With Shaun’s leadership style and such a great depth of creative talent in Australia, we look forward to working with the best producers and link with the best global partners, to bring Big Owl to life.”

Big Owl Pictures will announce its executive team and new projects in the coming months. Balance Vector will take a stake in Big Owl and Luczo will act as senior advisor to the company.

Murphy said: “Steve and Balance Vector have a truly global outlook in all that they do. With Big Owl’s creative drive and BV’s expansive view of partnerships, we look forward to creating a powerhouse company together.”