The production group will gather new and experienced writers, performers, directors and producers to create partnerships for traditional and emerging platforms. The label replaces FremantleMedia UK’s scripted comedy label retort.

“Comedy is full of unlikely double acts, and as Hare and Tortoise, we will be looking to foster many more great partnerships. Just as audiences do, we’ll happily cross genre boundaries in search of great characters and great stories, mixing and matching scripted comedy, comedy entertainment, funny factual and light drama to create projects with humor at their heart,” says Cecile Frot-Coutaz, chief executive officer, FremantleMedia.  

The new label is currently investing in rights, formats and scripts with highlights including:

Freemantle managing director Jon Rolph and creative director Claire Nosworthy will oversee the unit.