Elis James, John Robins and Dave Masterman launch significant new production company

Comedians Elis James and John Robins, alongside long-term producer Dave Masterman, have teamed up to launch a brand new production company.

Significant Productions will create bold, distinctive comedy and entertainment content, built on the heart and humour that has made their own podcast - The Elis James and John Robins Show - one of the most popular in the UK.

As well as producing the above title, Significant has wasted no time in expanding its slate of original content with award-winning wellbeing podcast How Do You Cope? set to return later this month with a soon-to-be-announced lineup of guests discussing the challenges they’ve faced in their lives. The Socially Distant Sports Bar - hosted by Elis James, Mike Bubbins and Steff Garrero - also joined the network earlier this year.

Over the past twelve years the trio have forged a reputation for making some of the UK’s most successful and best loved podcasts, bagging them multiple Gold ARIA Awards, British Podcast Awards and Audio Production Awards along the way.| While launching with titles close to home has been a natural first step, the company’s focus is firmly on building an exciting network of funny and thoughtful audio and visual content.

Elis James says: Ever since I first met John in early 2005 I have dreamt of starting a business with him, in which he tells me what he thinks we should do, I ponder it for fifteen seconds and then agree with him. Dave of course became part of this fantasy when I met him 12 years ago and realised that if you cut him, he bleeds award-winning audio (and blood). I love making podcasts, and am so excited at the prospect of Significant Productions creating new and exciting projects from people whose work I admire. We are naturally using John’s choice of accountant, and even though I have a company debit card I thus far haven’t felt emboldened enough to use it.

John Robins continues: Whilst I am excited to be part of a digital content revolution, we have to see how the markets react. Gold, which rallies during times of economic uncertainty, could dip as news of our production company brings some stability to the global economy. All eyes will of course be on the bond markets to see if Elis and John make the UK a more favourable place to invest, thus decreasing UK government debt. During an ideas meeting, Elis suggested we “do a health podcast”, though when pressed, was unable to expand further on this idea. Personally I am looking forward to succeeding where countless TV commissioners have failed / continuously turned us down: putting Elis and John on the big screen¹

Dave Masterman adds: I imagine Elis and John have already treated this important press release with the seriousness and respect it deserves? In which case, I’ll just add that Significant Productions is the company I’ve wanted to create for some time. To be going on this adventure with two of the most respected broadcasters in the industry, and two of my closest friends, is hugely exciting. We all have a similar vision for the company, and we can’t wait to share further plans over the coming months.

Significant Productions aims to develop a portfolio of original titles whilst welcoming collaboration with producers, organisations and media partners. For more information, or to work with Significant Productions, head to significanthq.com, email hello@significanthq.com or follow on Instagram @thatfeelssignificant.

(1: If you watch YouTube on a big screen)