'X Factor's' Brit producer restructures

"The X Factor" producer Talkback Thames is headed for extinction as part of a re-organization at the British production arm of FremantleMedia. Beginning Jan. 1 Talkback Thames, formed eight years ago from the merger of its two constituent parts, will cease to exist. Instead an umbrella company will bow, FremantleMedia U.K., overseeing four new production labels: Thames, Talkback, Retort and Boundless. Run by Talkback Thames' incumbent CEO Sara Geater the production entities are to be managed mainly by existing staff. Each will have a managing director, head of production and head of development. A spokeswoman said no job losses would be involved and the move was not driven by financial efficiencies. Geater said the aim was to give talent greater creative freedom and autonomy and win more new biz from broadcasters. She said under the new model senior management would be incentivized, based on their individual profits. Thames will focus on entertainment and be led by the present head of entertainment Richard Holloway. It will be responsible for "The X Factor," among other fare. Talkback is to concentrate on comedy entertainment while Retort will handle scripted comedy. Boundless is to concentrate on nonfiction: factual entertainment, features and specialist fare. "This new label structure allows us to showcase the amazing talent within our business by enabling us to be even more creative and innovative, to better respond to our customers' needs," Geater said. "We're committed to developing inspiring entertainment for broadcasters and audiences and I believe that this structure of labels with big ambitions will ensure we better serve our customers with bespoke propositions that will deliver them the hits of the future." FremantleMedia is owned by pan-European giant, RTL Group. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com