Origin Film & TV names James Gander as managing director

Origin Film & TV has appointed James Gander as managing director. The company supports the production of live sport with workflow design, engineering and all related equipment for major broadcasters such as ITV and BBC Sport and Amazon.

Gander is the former managing director and company director of Hyperactive Broadcast. He joins former associates and colleagues at Origin following a successful first year of trading and the recent acquisition of MCR Broadcast. Formed in 2020, Origin has already delivered more than 140 projects for broadcasters and production companies around the world, exceeding projected turnover. Liam Wife, the company’s founder, remains as operations director.

During his 35-year career in the industry, Gander has worked for a number of production companies, including Tony Mander Films and Clark Productions, as clapper-loader, focus-puller and eventually camera operator. At Hyperactive, he quickly progressed from engineering into the rental team, before being appointed as managing director in 2007, and then company director in 2016 following Gravity Media’s takeover.

“I have known Liam and the team for many years and have always been impressed with their drive and their technical excellence,” Gander said. “I’m delighted to be joining the Origin team and this fresh challenge. Together we will build a strong future for Origin.”

Reflecting current trends in the industry, Origin has developed cloud, virtualised and remote services and cutting-edge project design alongside traditional rental services. High profile projects in the company’s first year include multi-sport events in Tokyo, working with leading outside broadcast companies like EMG and NEP. 

With a current inventory valued at £5 million and a vision for continuing investment and rolling technology refreshes, the company believes it is the right time to appoint a managing director who can realise these goals.

“Having worked alongside James for many years, I couldn’t think of anyone better to join our team,” said Wife. “His passion and insight have always been a huge influence in my life, and his business aptitude, ability to look at the bigger picture and wealth of experience mean he is ideally placed to deliver our accelerated expansion programme.”