About Us
fire·crack·er *
*Noun: a small explosive device designed to make a large amount of noise.
At Firecracker Films we’ve always loved making noise. Take our BAFTA-nominated series Big Fat Gypsy Weddings for example. It was Channel 4’s highest-rating documentary series of all time – something we’re clearly very proud of and noisy about.
Whatever the platform, our goal is to create attention-grabbing, talked about content with our brand of bold and stylish film-making.
Broadcast
As well as being great storytellers, at Firecracker Films we take pride in our trademark high-quality visual style. It’s this incendiary combination that has seen us working with a wide range of broadcasters both here and in the US including - BBC, Channel 4, ABC, Discovery, TLC, & National Geographic to name a few!
From the BAFTA-nominated Big Fat Gypsy Weddings, to the visually arresting Daredevils series, to the poignant ABC network 20/20 exclusive, Wrong Turn: The Kati Kim Story, we’ve produced some of the most ground-breaking, popular factual programmes on television today.
But rather than us tell you about how good we are, why don’t you take a look for yourself by browsing the site and clicking on any of our film thumbnails.
Branded Content
In today’s multi-platform, multi-media landscape, content isn’t only confined to the television. This is why our Branded Content division works closely with some of the world’s best brands and agencies to produce captivating campaigns with a strong visual style.
We understand that different platforms require different delivery requirements. Whether it's short-form documentaries for Johnnie Walker or Fedex idents for Sky Sports, we apply the same degree of skilled production to each and every project we undertake.
We are providers of content. Good content. It’s as simple as that.
Management Team
Mark Soldinger - CEO & Founder
Having enjoyed a high profile freelance career directing over 34 documentaries, Mark started Firecracker in a small room in Soho in 2003.
9 years and several films later, Mark moved to California to open up Firecracker's US office. Based out of Santa Monica, he is currently enjoying the challenge of adapting Firecracker's brand to the US TV market and growing the company's presence internationally.
Jeremy Groman - Creative Director
A Firecracker from the very beginning, Jeremy leads the Branded Content division as an exciting and growing part of our business.
Starting as a graphic designer in digital media 20 years ago with an Apple Mac from the Ark, Jeremy embraced the medium and has since gone on to direct and produce many digital films for some of the biggest brands in the world. Always excited by the visual medium and new ways in which to work, Jeremy has played a big part in creating the style that has now become synonymous with Firecracker. Jeremy loves to play the drums whenever he can!
Sue Oriel - Managing Director
Sue joined Firecracker Films in 2010 from Zodiak Media where she was both COO of RDF Television and IWC Media Managing Director.
Sue has worked at Channel 4 and prior to that, in a range of media agencies. Sue owns Firecracker office dog, Bomber.
Jes Wilkins - Head of Programmes
Over the last ten years Jes has been behind some of the most talked about and highest rating documentaries both in Britain and around the world.
He joined Firecracker in 2008 and is the senior creative head in the London office working across both development and production.
David Herman - Executive Producer
Having produced over 60 hours of Documentary films for broadcasters in the US and UK, David Joined Firecracker in Spring 2011.
He is the Exec Producer responsible for overseeing Firecracker's output for US broadcasters.
Moira Noble - Head of Production
Moira Noble worked for nearly 10 years as an independent producer of observational films before moving into production management.
She has been a Head of Production for a variety of independent production companies working within the corporate client sector and CGI industry as well as broadcast television.
Dan Snook - SVP of Development
Dan grew up in Iowa and at 17 moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California where he received a Masters of Fine Arts degree. After graduation he opened a theater company in Hollywood, ran a bar in Westwood, and at 24 sold all his possessions to travel Europe. Upon surviving the running with the bulls in Pamplona, Dan decided it was time to come back to the states and successfully studied for a Master of Fine Arts Degree. Prior to joining Firecracker Films he served as SVP for 3Ball Productions/Eyeworks USA.