The Saturday Night Live UK creative team has expanded further with the announcement of three new hires.
UTAS UK Productions, which is part of Universal Studio Group, and Broadway Video announced on Tuesday the appointment of Pauli Lovejoy as Musical Director, Annie Hardinge as Costume Designer, and Kevin Fortune as Head of Wigs, Hair & Make-Up.
“Music has been central to the heritage of Saturday Night Live for 50 years, from its legendary house band to unforgettable performances that have become part of television history,” reads the release. “Pauli Lovejoy’s appointment brings a singular perspective to this tradition, shaping how the UK series will define its own musical identity.”
On NBC’s SNL, Eli Brueggemann has served as musical director since Season 37, alongside conductor Leon Pendarvis and live band boss Lenny Pickett. But you, like, me, may have grown up watching G.E. Smith aka the world’s most emotive guitarist groove in the home base background.
Today’s announcements goes on to say, “Over [Saturday Night Live]’s five decades on NBC in the US, hair & make up and costume have played an equally defining role, from character-driven transformations to looks that have become instantly recognisable long after transmission. With Annie Hardinge and Kevin Fortune’s attachment, the UK series will draw on their rich experience across film, television, and live performance to shape the show’s distinctive visual world.
“Together, all three reflect the creative and distinctly British foundations shaping what Saturday Night Live UK will bring,” the release concludes.
SNL UK—which is said to be on track for a March launch, on Sky Max and the streaming service NOW—just last week added Lisa Clark (Top Gear, Nightwatch) as commissioning executive, where she will work with Phil Edgar-Jones (Sky’s executive director of unscripted originals) to “help shape the series.” Showrunner James Longman (formerly of The Late Late Show with James Corden), veteran live event director Liz Clare, and head writer Daran Jonno Johnson (Parlement) lead SNL UK‘s production, direction, and writing teams, while SNL creator Lorne Michaels is expected to have a hands-on role in this London-based version.
A UK-born drummer, recording artist and music director, Lovejoy is described as “one of the most influential musical directors and drummers working today,” and has been recognized by The Guardian and WIRED as among “the world’s best drummers.” He served as musical director and percussionist for Harry Styles’ global Love On Tour for over two years, shaping that live music phenomena.
As a musical director, he has worked with Jamie xx, FKA twigs, Maggie Rogers, Charlie Puth, Lizzo, and currently Florence + The Machine. As a drummer, he has toured for Damon Albarn, Robyn, Sampha and Bobby Womack.
Lovejoy was the first artist to perform at The Sphere, by serving as MC/DJ for U2’s 40-night inaugural residency at the Las Vegas venue. Under the moniker Pauli The PSM, he has composed original music for high-profile campaigns such as YouTube Originals’ Black Renaissance featuring Michelle and Barack Obama.
Lovejoy is currently working on his debut album.
