Fulwell 73, the award-winning British television, film, and music production company based in London, has shared a poignant message following the tragic death of former One Direction member Liam Payne.
Payne, 31, died on Wednesday after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, leaving family, friends and fans in shock.
Founded in 2005 by four Jewish men - brothers Gabe and Ben Turner, their cousin Leo Pearlman, and Ben Winston - Fulwell73 has a rich history intertwined with One Direction, having produced the documentary One Direction: This is Us in 2013, which charted the band’s meteoric rise to fame. They also directed a number of the group’s music videos.
Nearly eight years ago, actor and presenter James Corden joined Fulwell 73 as the fifth partner in the company.
In a heartfelt statement released on their social media, Fulwell 73 reflected on their cherished memories of Liam.
They wrote: “Liam was a truly wonderful soul. Every room was brighter for him being in it. The kindest guy, the most phenomenal talent, and a person who made everything better.”
The tribute emphasised Payne's significant contribution to the company, stating: “He, along with his four brothers and bandmates, helped build the foundation of our company. We are forever grateful to him, we will forever miss him, and we will never be able to get over the fact he is gone.”
The emotional message highlighted the widespread affection for Payne within the Fulwell 73 team. “As a company, we mourn the loss of someone who every single member of our team, the many hundreds who worked with Liam over the many years, truly truly loved.”
Fulwell 73 extended their condolences to Liam's family and friends, particularly his parents, Geoff and Karen, saying: “Our hearts are broken for Geoff and Karen, Liam's family and friends, and the whole of the One Direction community, who we are thinking of as we all come to terms with this unfathomable loss.”
The founders of the company, who all grew up as members of Bnei Akiva and come from modern Orthodox backgrounds, have been instrumental in shaping the entertainment landscape with their creative projects, producing TV hits such as Carpool Karaoke and The Kardashians.
