Element Pictures names former Sky publicist as first head
Element Pictures names former Sky and HBO publicist Chris Duggan as its first in-house head of communications and marketing. The newly created role has Duggan promoting projects across the Irish film and TV powerhouse's producer slate and leading corporate communications, reporting to founders and co-CEOs Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe. He starts in August.
Key Takeaways
- Element Pictures has created its first in-house head of communications and marketing role for Chris Duggan.
- Duggan previously handled senior communications at Sky, HBO Max in Europe, and the BBC.
- He will report to co-CEOs Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe and oversee festivals, awards campaigns, and social channels.
- The hire comes as Element marks its 25th year and continues film and TV momentum under Fremantle ownership.
- Duggan begins in August, splitting time between London and Dublin offices.
Who is Chris Duggan and what will he oversee?
According to Variety, Duggan is a seasoned publicity veteran joining a newly created post. He will work across Element's stable of producers to promote their projects and lead corporate communications.
Most recently, he held a senior communications role at Sky, covering programming including "The Day of the Jackal," "Lockerbie: A Search for Truth," and "The Tattooist of Auschwitz." Before that, he led communications for local original programming at HBO Max in Europe and helped deliver global campaigns for HBO U.S. shows such as "True Detective" and "Westworld."
He began his TV publicity career at the BBC, promoting "Doctor Who," "Sherlock," and "Line of Duty." In the new job, he will oversee external relations, including festival activity, awards campaigning, and social channels.
Why does this appointment matter for Element Pictures?
The move fills a first dedicated in-house communications and marketing leadership seat at a company Variety describes as a powerhouse Irish film and TV production outfit and awards-season regular. Guiney and Lowe said Duggan brings extensive experience promoting major entertainment properties and shares their passion for authentic, high-quality stories as they develop their slate.
For readers tracking studio and streamer talent moves, this sits alongside other Streaming & TV Alerts on how producers staff up around awards and global launches.
What projects put Element Pictures in the spotlight?
The appointment lands as Element celebrates its 25th year. Fremantle acquired the company in 2022. Recent credits cited by Variety include "Bugonia," Element's latest feature with regular collaborator Yorgos Lanthimos, which received four Oscar nominations, including best picture.
Harry Lighton's "Pillion" and Akinola Davies Jr.'s "My Father's Shadow" both won awards at Cannes in 2025 and combined for multiple nominations and wins across the British Independent Film Awards and BAFTAs. On television, Element recently announced an adaptation of David Nicholls' "We Are Here," reuniting with the BBC after the smash hit "Normal People."
Duggan will start in August, working between Element's offices in London and Dublin as the company pushes its film and TV slate.