Hackenbacker joins Halo Group

The acquisition will see Hackenbacker form a major part of Halo’s drama and film sound operation, working alongside Halo’s five 5.1 TV mix rooms and the two Dolby 7.1 theatrical mix stages.

Halo Group chief executive John Rogerson described Hackenbacker as a “powerhouse on the Soho sound scene”.

He said: “Having Nigel and his team at the forefront of our drama sound operation is the fulfilment of a long held ambition for Halo.”

Rogerson added that while he wanted to build a group of post facilities he was keen to make sure they maintain their own identities.

The Soho-based TV and film sound facility, which counts Downton Abbey, The Musketeers and Whitechapel among its recent broadcast credits, will retain the Hackenbacker brand.

It will also continue to operate from its buildings on Bateman Street, which houses three mix studios and three sound edit suites and Salisbury Street, which contains a Foley studio.

Hackenbacker owner and dubbing mixer Nigel Heath, who established the company some 25 years ago, will continue to mix and supervise projects.

Director Chris Sturmer is leaving the facility but he will remain on the Hackenbacker board as a non-executive director.

Heath said: “The entire Hackenbacker team is proud to become part of the Halo group.

“We’re looking forward to a productive and creative future that this bringing together of resources and creative expertise will help achieve.

“Halo and Hackenbacker both put an emphasis on quality. Years of working on some of the finest drama in the world means Hackenbacker has achieved an unparalleled reputation for high quality work, often with an innovative creative edge.

“The coming together of the two companies means we can expand and build this further.”

Broadcast Award-winning Halo added a film and TV drama picture post division towards the end of last year.

Halo Film and Drama joint managing director Dave Turner added: “We have a huge amount of respect for Nigel and his team.

“Combining our respective resources will be of significant mutual benefit, and will allow us to offer a more comprehensive range of services to both drama and film productions alike. The possibilities are both exhilarating and endless.”