Simon Hanning

Simon Hanning is a British music and television producer.^[1] Born and raised in Walthamstow, London he attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School and had several early television appearances, including walk-on roles in school drama series, Grange Hill^[2] and as a stand-in for glove-puppet Sooty. He began his adult movie career working as a theatre lighting technician, working on West End shows such as Stop the World - I Want to Get Off then later training as a video editor, with stints on the ITV The Chart Show, then as an assistant to television director Robin Bextor then later working for sports production company Visionsport International (VSI) then working for Middlesbrough Football Club's TV channel BORO TV where he then met presenter and living legend, Bernard Slaven.

He has also directed a number of music videos and live concerts performances, for artists including Anthony Costa,^[3] Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Jamie Cullum^[4] & Kasabian.

He more recently launched (and currently owns) Band Republic, what is promoted as the first online record label, where new, unsigned acts are voted for by the public. This concept is notable in that it differes from conventional music A&R by letting members of the website vote for a chosen artist to win a recording contract.^[5] Hanning also runs a music, film & television production company, Simon Hanning Limited (or SHL), where signed artists include former Big Brother 2006 contestant (and winner) Pete Bennett and former Fame Academy contestant Gary Phelan.^[6] In addition Simon Hanning has involved himself with Brighton-based indie band THE REVEALS who are attracting huge amounts of attention where ever they appear. Simon's latest music venture is teen pop group EverYoung. Formed of 3 Sylvia Young Students Hollie McKinlay, Jack Morlen and Cherelle Williams and Ex-JFS School student Eyal 'Benji' Booker. EverYoung have attracted a lot of attention from young teens whilst taking part in their Warrior Schools Tour from September through to November around the UK. In December 2012, Hanning had a hit on his hands after directing the music video for charity single 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother by the Justice Collective.^[7]

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