Elliot Hackney: The Visionary Behind The Fellas Studios and the Rise of Creator-Led Media in the UK
Who Is Elliot Hackney?
Elliot Hackney is a dynamic British media executive, content strategist, and creator who has redefined the modern entertainment landscape through his leadership at The Fellas Studios and his own company, Hackney Media. Based in London, Elliot has spent more than a decade building one of the UK’s most innovative creator-driven production studios, helping to bridge the gap between traditional media and the rapidly evolving world of digital influence.
With over fifteen years of experience spanning sports, betting, podcasting, and social media, Elliot Hackney stands out as a figure who understands content from every angle — as a producer, marketer, strategist, and creator. His hands-on leadership style and forward-thinking approach have positioned him as one of the most influential figures in the British creator economy.
Early Life and Education
Elliot Hackney was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, and demonstrated an early passion for sport and storytelling. He studied Science and Football at Liverpool John Moores University between 2008 and 2011, following a BTEC in Sports & Exercise Science from MMU Academy and Newcastle-Under-Lyme College.
His academic background in sport and performance later became a unique advantage in his media career, enabling him to combine a data-driven mindset with creative storytelling — a balance that would later define his content philosophy.
Career Beginnings: From Sports to Social Media
Elliot Hackney’s professional journey began at Bet365, one of the world’s largest online betting companies, where he worked from 2011 to 2015. Starting as a Telebet Operative, he quickly progressed to Studio Operator and then Social Media Editor. During his time there, he learned the intricacies of online engagement, live content, and audience retention — skills that would later become core to his brand-building success.
In 2015, Hackney moved to Lost Boys London as a Senior Content & Community Manager, where he produced innovative digital campaigns for global clients. His creative flair was evident in projects such as Honda’s Formula 1 “power-unit” social campaign, which cleverly gave personalities to McLaren’s F1 engines on Twitter, a viral concept that captured the attention of motorsport fans and media outlets alike.
Rising Through the Ranks: Ladbrokes Coral and Spotlight Sports Group
Elliot Hackney’s career took a major step forward when he joined Ladbrokes Coral in 2016. Over nearly four years, he rose from Senior Content Producer to Head of Social Media, overseeing some of the most high-profile sports marketing campaigns in the UK.
He worked on The Kick Off Live series, integrating YouTube creators and mainstream sports coverage long before influencer marketing became a norm. His innovative approach, including viral campaigns such as The Coral Pup and The Euro 2016 Coral Preview, demonstrated his ability to merge entertainment with brand engagement on a national scale.
In 2019, Hackney transitioned to Spotlight Sports Group, where he became Head of Content Marketing. Here, he produced content for major betting and sports brands, including Racing Post & Coral’s “My Festival” documentary series and live shows such as In The Know and The Big Kick-Off. His ability to manage creative teams and attract celebrity talent positioned him as a natural leader in multimedia storytelling.
Leadership at True Geordie Productions
In 2021, Elliot Hackney was appointed Managing Director of True Geordie Productions, where he helped shape one of YouTube’s most influential creator-led brands. Working alongside prominent online personalities, he helped develop The Kick Off, a popular football talk show that blended humour, analysis, and community engagement.
During his tenure, True Geordie Productions expanded its content output and audience reach, setting new standards for production quality in the independent YouTube sector. Hackney’s leadership during this period showcased his ability to balance creative freedom with commercial growth — a rare skill in the fast-moving creator economy.
The Fellas Studios: A New Era of Creator-Led Production
In March 2022, Elliot Hackney co-founded The Fellas Studios, where he serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO). The studio, launched by creators Callum Airey (Calfreezy) and Joshua Larkin (The Burnt Chip), quickly became a powerhouse in British digital entertainment.
Under Hackney’s operational leadership, The Fellas Studios has grown to host some of the UK’s biggest podcasts, including:
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The Fellas
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Saving Grace (hosted by Grace Keziah Bee)
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Pitch Side
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Low IQ Pod
His strategic oversight has turned these shows into multimedia successes, extending beyond audio to live tours, merchandise, and video distribution.
Key Achievements at The Fellas Studios
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Acast Partnership (2023): Hackney led negotiations to bring The Fellas Studios’ podcast slate exclusively under Acast, a major milestone that streamlined distribution and monetisation.
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Global Media Group Partnership (2025): Under his tenure, The Fellas Studios joined the Global family, aligning with one of the UK’s largest media conglomerates.
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Tour Success: He oversaw the Saving Grace Live UK & Ireland Tour 2024 — 13 shows, 17 000 fans, and over 650 meet-and-greets — a testament to his operational excellence.
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Cross-Platform Expansion: He has been instrumental in transforming podcasts into cross-channel experiences that engage millions through YouTube, Spotify, and social media.
Hackney Media: Empowering the Next Generation of Creators
In parallel with his COO role, Elliot Hackney founded Hackney Media in 2022. The agency focuses on strategic brand development, influencer collaborations, and content production for creators and businesses.
Hackney Media’s projects, such as YouTuber Cook Off vs ChrisMD and Youtuber Race to the Champions League Final, highlight his ability to merge storytelling, sport, and digital innovation. By positioning creators as the centrepiece of campaigns, Hackney Media continues to push boundaries in influencer marketing and branded entertainment.
Personal Life of Elliot Hackney
Away from the studio, Elliot Hackney is known for his grounded personality and love of sport. A passionate supporter of Stoke City Football Club, he often credits his early experiences in sport for shaping his work ethic and leadership style.
As of 2025, Elliot is in a relationship with Abbie Brock, who also works in the creative industry and collaborates with him on projects at The Fellas Studios. He has not publicly shared details about marriage or family, choosing to keep his personal life largely private.
Elliot Hackney’s Professional Philosophy
Elliot’s leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and authenticity. Having worked as both a creator and an executive, he understands the importance of balancing artistic freedom with business sustainability.
He often emphasises the value of empathy in leadership, encouraging his teams to stay passionate, adaptable, and audience-focused. His career reflects the evolution of media itself — moving from traditional broadcasting to interactive, community-driven storytelling.
The Future of The Fellas Studios and Beyond
Looking ahead, Elliot Hackney is poised to continue expanding The Fellas Studios’ influence across Europe and beyond. With the support of Global Media Group and a roster of high-profile creators, his focus lies on scaling production, diversifying content formats, and building sustainable ecosystems for digital talent.
Through both The Fellas Studios and Hackney Media, Elliot remains committed to nurturing emerging voices and reshaping the future of digital entertainment in the UK.
FAQs
FAQs about Elliot Hackney
1. How old is Elliot Hackney?
Elliot Hackney is 35 years old, born in May 1990 in Stoke-on-Trent, England. He celebrated his 35th birthday in 2025 with the caption “Thirty-fiving and thriving” on social media.
2. Is Elliot Hackney married?
As of 2025, Elliot Hackney has not publicly confirmed being married. He prefers to keep his private life away from the media spotlight while focusing on his professional career.
3. Who is Elliot Hackney’s wife or partner?
Elliot Hackney is in a relationship with Abbie Brock, who also works in the creative and media industry and collaborates with him at The Fellas Studios. There is no public record of marriage between them.
4. What companies does Elliot Hackney work for?
Elliot Hackney is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of The Fellas Studios and the Founder of Hackney Media. His leadership has helped grow both ventures into leading names in the UK’s creator-led entertainment sector.
5. Where is Elliot Hackney based?
Elliot Hackney lives in London, England, where he oversees the operations of The Fellas Studios and continues to produce innovative digital and podcast content that reaches millions worldwide.
Conclusion
Elliot Hackney’s journey from a sports-loving student in Stoke-on-Trent to a leading figure in London’s creator economy exemplifies the power of innovation and persistence. As COO of The Fellas Studios and Founder of Hackney Media, he has become a driving force behind the UK’s digital-content revolution.
With a proven record of building communities, empowering creators, and delivering world-class productions, Elliot Hackney continues to inspire the next generation of storytellers to think bigger, create fearlessly, and redefine what media can be in the twenty-first century.
