{{Short description|New Zealand television executive producer}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}} {{Infobox person | name = Alex Breingan | image = ALEX BREINGAN 2018.jpg | caption = Breingan in 2018 | other_names = Alex James, AJ James, Alex B, Alexander J | birth_name = Alexander James Breingan | birth_date = May 4, 1972 | birth_place = Lyme Regis, England, United Kingdom | citizenship = United Kingdom, New Zealand. | education = Durham University | alma_mater = | occupation = Former television producer/writer, former radio host | years_active = 1990s–present }} '''Alex Breingan''' (born May 4, 1972),<!-- Note on now changed IMDb profile 'Alex B' says May 4 and other sources online point out 1972. --> {{efn-lr|Breingan is an American citizen as of April 2026. He also lived in New Zealand from 2002-2024 and UK citizenship by birth.|text=Breingan is an American citizen as of April 2026|reference=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=99751175&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch}} is a former television producer, television writer and former radio producer and host based in Los Angeles, USA, previously in New Zealand.<ref name=":2" /> He is currently facing 33 fraud and forgery related charges in New Zealand.<ref name=NZHFraud/>
Starting his career in UK commercial radio and later as a producer at the BBC, Breingan moved to New Zealand in 2002, where he worked in radio management before transitioning into television. He co-founded Choice TV, now known as Eden in 2012, which was later acquired by international media companies, and established Stripe Studios, a production company responsible for various TV series in New Zealand.<ref name="BLRN2013a" />
In February 2026, the Serious Fraud Office announced that they had filed 33 charges of fraud in the Auckland District Court against Breingan. The charges allege that Breingan made false representations and used forged documents to obtain approximately NZ$14.5 million in funding, comprising more than NZ$4.3 million in government funded rebates and NZ$10.2 million in lending.<ref name="NZHFraud" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Serious Fraud Office |first=New Zealand |date=2026-02-04 |title=SFO files charges against TV producer over alleged fraudulently obtained funds |url=https://www.sfo.govt.nz/media-cases/media-releases/sfo-files-charges-against-tv-producer-over-alleged-fraudulently-obtained-funds |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=Serious Fraud Office, New Zealand |language=en-NZ}}</ref> Breingan has denied the charges against him and has said the matter was before the New Zealand courts.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Currie |first=Shayne |title='Definition of a narcissist': Fraud-accused TV producer's ex-wife claims he used her for money |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-fraud-accused-tv-producer-alex-breingans-ex-wife-hits-out-claims-he-used-her-for-money-breingan-denies-charges/premium/6CBW7CQFXJHY5EE75LQZTC3XDM/ |access-date=2026-02-09 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
==Early life== Breingan was born and raised in Lyme Regis, England. He attended Woodroffe School and left in 1989. He then started working at RACAL Electronics in Seaton, England before going to Durham University in the mid 1990s. After leaving University he then went on to work as an intern for BBC Radio 1.<ref name=BLRN2013a>{{Cite web |date=19 December 2013 |title=Ex-Lyme man makes the rigtht Choice down under |url=https://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/10888382.ex-lyme-man-makes-the-rigtht-choice-down-under/ |access-date=17 June 2024 |publisher=Bridport and Lyme Regis News |language=en}}</ref>
== Personal life == He is married to former Three News reporter and food blogger Rachel Hart.<ref name="BLRN2013a" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2022 |title=How this courageous cook is baking her way to better health |url=https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/news/real-life/rachel-hart-one-handed-baker-45525/ |access-date=24 February 2024 |website=Now to Love – New Zealand |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1448255740048562&set=a.222007502673398 |access-date=2026-02-03 |website=www.facebook.com}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Currie |first=Shayne |title=The upscale LA life of fraud-accused NZ TV producer - a new relationship, high-end cars and mystery new shows |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-the-upscale-los-angeles-lifestyle-of-fraud-accused-stripe-studios-managing-director-alex-breingan/premium/JIZYR4YCU5HAPDJTTJMDFYIPMA/ |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> The couple were both a subject for the 2019 series ''100 Day Renovation''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch 100 DAY RENOVATION {{!}} OSNtv UAE |url=https://www.osn.com/en-ae/explore/series/100-day-renovation |access-date=11 September 2024 |website=OSNtv |language=en-ae}}</ref> Breingan and Hart have since separated after 22 years marriage, with Hart claiming she only discovered he had been having an affair by reading it in the New Zealand Herald in February 2026. They have not yet divorced. <ref name=":6" /> <ref>https://www.facebook.com/onehandedbaker/posts/pfbid034BKN7H8v36QosZM8Z6BLfaM9Dq6iq6eNdiamwmCuWZXFBVoPeYb7f1QydB4JDdwKl</ref>
That report, in February 2026, stated that Breingan has been in a relationship with part-time office administrator Darci Penn since 2024, both living together in Calabasas, Los Angeles.<ref name=":6" />
In a trademark register in April 2026, Breingan claimed to be an American citizen.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USPTO TSDR Case Viewer |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn99751175&docId=APP20260408122624&linkId=1 |access-date=2026-05-04 |website=tsdr.uspto.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Trademark Status & Document Retrieval |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=99751175&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch |access-date=2026-05-04 |website=tsdr.uspto.gov}}</ref>
== Career == After Breingan graduated from Durham University in the 1990s, he went to work as an intern on Radio 1. He then moved to Orchard FM in Taunton, before being a producer on Radio 2.<ref name="BLRN2013a" /> He then moved to New Zealand in 2002.<ref name=:0>{{Cite web |title=Top TV Ltd (Operating as Choice TV) |url=https://gust.com/companies/top_tv_ltd_operating_as_choice_tv |access-date=16 June 2024 |website=Gust}}</ref> He spent 10 years in NZ radio including as Mediawork's Radio Operations Manager and Assistant Programme Director for both More FM and RadioLIVE.<ref name=Scoop2012a>{{Cite web |title=Tune your Freeview to Channel 12 and find Choice TV! |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1204/S00407/tune-your-freeview-to-channel-12-and-find-choice-tv.htm |access-date=17 June 2024 |date=24 April 2012 |publisher=Scoop |website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref>
After working in Radio, Breingan then moved into TV as Channel Manager for SKY TV's Food TV and The Living Channel.<ref name="Scoop2012a" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Freeview adds choice |url=https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/the-post-1022/20120211/282621734620403 |publisher=The Post |date=11 February 2012 |access-date=17 June 2024 |via=PressReader}}</ref> In 2012 Breingan co-founded free to air TV channel Choice TV which launched on Freeview and Sky that year. Canadian Media company Blue Ant Media acquired the channel in 2014. Discovery Inc. later acquired Choice TV in 2019.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Choice TV adds On Demand channel |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/7268915/Choice-TV-adds-On-Demand-channel |publisher=Stuff |date=12 July 2012 |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |date=3 November 2014 |title=Canada's Blue Ant Media Buys Majority Stake in New Zealand's Choice TV |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/canadas-blue-ant-media-buys-745713/ |access-date=16 June 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
In TV production, Breingan established production company Stripe Media in 2014, also known as Stripe Studios. The production company produced various television shows across New Zealand including the TV3 morning series, ''The Cafe''<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 March 2016 |title=New Morning Show the Café Coming Soon to Tv3 |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1603/S00392/new-morning-show-the-cafe-coming-soon-to-tv3.htm |access-date=16 June 2024 |website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 June 2024 |title=Hosts revealed for TV3's new morning show |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/tv3-announces-new-morning-show/W57TIQJAQKGPUPG3Z2ANZLUGAE/ |access-date=16 June 2024 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=New TV3 lifestyle show The Café to air in April |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2016/03/new-tv3-lifestyle-show-the-caf-to-air-in-april.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801201540/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2016/03/new-tv3-lifestyle-show-the-caf-to-air-in-april.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 August 2017 |access-date=16 June 2024 |work=Newshub |language=en}}</ref> which aired from 2016 until 2020.
Stripe Studios production includes series previously on SKY Open New Zealand, Discovery Australia New Zealand, TVNZ and NBCU NZ for the channel Bravo. Breingan created, co-wrote and produced ''The Circus'', ''Rich Listers'', and Discovery's ''Great Southern Truckers''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Kevin |date=3 October 2022 |title=TV Blackbox |url=https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2022/10/03/hit-the-road-for-an-epic-adventure-in-new-series-great-southern-truckers/ }}</ref> ''Rich Listers'' received criticism after Breingan publicly mentioned that the show was fictional.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fake mews: Producers of new 'reality' show reveal it's not real |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tv-reality-show-rich-listers-on-luxury-property-market-is-fake/NF7BGQEGVPDEYJQWUXSEC326KY/ |date=8 October 2022 |publisher=New Zealand Herald |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
Since 2019, Breingan has been a semi finals judge for the International Emmy Awards and later a finals judge in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=48th International Emmy Awards Competition on Schedule & Moving Towards November Gala |publisher=International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences |url=https://www.iemmys.tv/48th-international-emmy-awards-competition-on-schedule-moving-towards-november-gala/ |access-date=16 June 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Semi-Final Judging Events |publisher=International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences |url=https://www.iemmys.tv/calendar-events/semi-final-judging-events/ |access-date=16 June 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref> His name was no longer on the website as a member as of 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Member Directory – International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences |url=https://www.iemmys.tv/international-academy/membership/member-directory/ |access-date=2026-03-02 |language=en-US}}</ref>
In April 2026, outside of television production, Breingan, partner Darci E Penn and Peter Strauss, an investment sales broker, applied to register the trademark Bite The Box, a trademark related to party games and action skill games. The application is yet to be approved.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USPTO TSDR Case Viewer |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn99751175&docId=APP20260408122624&linkId=1#docIndex=0&page=1 |access-date=2026-05-04 |website=tsdr.uspto.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/bitethebox |access-date=2026-05-04 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>
Breingan has been using a new alias of Alexander J since May 2026 as well as the LinkedIn handle 'globalmediaproducer'. He now describes himself as a 'Founder, Producer and AI Adopter...' <ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/globalmediaproducer/ www.linkedin.com/in/globalmediaproducer/]</ref>
== Legal issues == In February 2024 reports emerged that Stripe Studios had failed to pay post-production companies for their work.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=22 February 2024 |title=They lured a legend to NZ, now a TV firm is in spotlight over bills; 7pm show's new name |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-tv-company-in-spotlight-over-bills-revealed-name-of-ryan-bridges-new-7pm-show-fair-go-host-i-ended-up-exhausted-former-air-nz-agency-moves-to-qantas-rnz-ratings-standoff/IVOYCPBHUJFSNNU24AG6GQ3NHU/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240216085247/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-tv-company-in-spotlight-over-bills-revealed-name-of-ryan-bridges-new-7pm-show-fair-go-host-i-ended-up-exhausted-former-air-nz-agency-moves-to-qantas-rnz-ratings-standoff/IVOYCPBHUJFSNNU24AG6GQ3NHU/ |archive-date=16 February 2024 |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> In March 2024, one of the company's production entities, Stripe Studios (Comedy) Ltd, was placed into court-ordered liquidation,<ref name="NZH2024a">{{Cite web |date=17 May 2024 |title=NZ film company's $2.25m debts – top international comedian: 'My patience is exhausted' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-film-production-firm-stripe-studios-comedy-ltd-owes-227m-including-more-than-600000-to-us-comedian-and-actress-liquidators-report/2K732VNRS5EZJCHM2ZLGEWKTLA/ |access-date=17 May 2024 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240425181507/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-film-production-firm-stripe-studios-comedy-ltd-owes-227m-including-more-than-600000-to-us-comedian-and-actress-liquidators-report/2K732VNRS5EZJCHM2ZLGEWKTLA/ |archive-date=25 April 2024}}</ref> and Stripe Media entered both receivership and voluntary receivership.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Auckland TV production companies in receivership |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/culture/350208858/auckland-tv-production-companies-receivership |publisher=Stuff |date=12 March 2024 |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}</ref> A receiver's report initially identified over NZD $20 million in outstanding debts due to incomplete productions,<ref name="NZH2024b">{{Cite web |date=17 June 2024 |title='Irregularities': NZ TV firm owes more than $20m to major bank, US TV stars – receivers |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-stripe-studios-receivership-creditors-including-us-tv-stars-owed-more-than-20-million-say-receivers-authorities-alerted-to-alleged-irregularities/DPI4VICW5JET3AG5N7MDHDGY3U/ |access-date=16 June 2024 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> along with financial irregularities that were subsequently referred to the Serious Fraud Office.<ref name="NZH2024b" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=3 October 2024 |title=Media Insider: TVNZ upheaval – state broadcaster's strategic changes,… |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-tvnz-upheaval-state-broadcasters-strategic-changes-ahead-of-more-job-losses-stuff-cuts-roles-in-auckland-tui-rolls-out-new-yeah-right-campaign/J6E5FP5Q7FF45O4QW5NWI5773Y/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241003190103/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-tvnz-upheaval-state-broadcasters-strategic-changes-ahead-of-more-job-losses-stuff-cuts-roles-in-auckland-tui-rolls-out-new-yeah-right-campaign/J6E5FP5Q7FF45O4QW5NWI5773Y/#selection-4789.0-4853.211 |access-date=4 October 2024 |publisher=New Zealand Herald |archive-date=3 October 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Additional companies associated with Stripe Studios were placed into liquidation in July 2024 due to unpaid taxes and outstanding debts to creditors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 September 2024 |title='Provocative': BSA rules on TVNZ poll uproar; Wine tipped over NZ rugby commentators; Mag depicts MP as Jesus |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-bsa-rules-on-maiki-sherman-tvnz-poll-coverage-taxpayers-fund-polkinghorne-documentary-magazine-depicts-chloe-swarbrick-as-jesus-rugby-commentators-doused-in-wine/OK7THRIGHRBMRM2TLLNL7YQ47M-2/ |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
Breingan has claimed that a U-turn decision by the New Zealand Film Commission was a cause for the financial issues. The commission has denied this.<ref name="NZH2024b"/> Breingan also stated that such allegations were false and defamatory, writing that the NZ Herald was provided with false information.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2024 |title=Top international comedian applies to liquidate NZ production company |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-top-international-comedian-applies-to-liquidate-new-zealand-production-company-stripe-studios-comedy/EDGUEND5XVCE7JJCXXZZI4HKRI/ |access-date=18 June 2024 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> This was later followed up by a message that was sent to the Herald in September 2025 from a law firm in the US, purportedly representing Breingan.<ref name="NZHFraud" /> They later told media that they were no longer representing Breingan.
In September 2024, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's (MBIE) Integrity and Enforcement Team confirmed that it was investigating whether Breingan should be prohibited from directing New Zealand companies in New Zealand.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=19 September 2024 |title=Media Insider: Stripe Studios boss Alex Breingan linked to new alias;… |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-stripe-studios-boss-alex-breingan-linked-to-new-alias-pm-says-people-dont-watch-6pm-tv-news-any-more-paul-henry-on-lachlan-murdoch/JPSJOU7BUNATTIUYOVSTX3DUSA/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240919172821/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-stripe-studios-boss-alex-breingan-linked-to-new-alias-pm-says-people-dont-watch-6pm-tv-news-any-more-paul-henry-on-lachlan-murdoch/JPSJOU7BUNATTIUYOVSTX3DUSA/ |access-date=20 September 2024 |publisher=New Zealand Herald |archive-date=19 September 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In March 2025 Stripe Media's liquidators reported that no assets had been recovered, and that Breingan could not be located.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-tv-star-wairangi-koopu-and-the-drugs-charges-stripe-media-liquidator-the-director-has-not-been-located/KHJCWO7ST5DATIIFNTJ3DPNL7Q/ |title=Media Insider: TV star Wairangi Koopu and the drugs charges; Stripe Media liquidator: 'The director has not been located' |publisher=New Zealand Herald |author=Shayne Currie |date=21 March 2025 |access-date=10 May 2025}}</ref> In August 2025 it was reported Breingan was now living in the Los Angeles, USA.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currie |first=Shayne |title='Hurtful', 'distressing': RNZ staff fume over scathing review; Sky inks new rugby deal |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-hurtful-distressing-some-rnz-staff-fuming-over-scathing-internal-review-rnz-responds-sky-inks-news-rugby-rights-deal-stripe-studios-bosss-former-home-for-sale/CQ64BBECQZHUXB5FGFDEA5MQCA/ |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
During the liquidation process Breingan attempted to re-establish himself overseas, establishing two production companies in the UK.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=25 March 2024 |title=The fall and rise of Duncan Garner; Top reality TV shows 'at risk'; Media hacker's frustration |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-top-tv-shows-in-fight-for-life-duncan-garners-podcast-reboot-stripe-boss-sets-up-uk-firms/ASPA7LOUY5D7NLOHWWAMXPF57I/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240322035537/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-top-tv-shows-in-fight-for-life-duncan-garners-podcast-reboot-stripe-boss-sets-up-uk-firms/ASPA7LOUY5D7NLOHWWAMXPF57I/ |archive-date=22 March 2024 |access-date=24 March 2024 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Stripe Studios boss sets up UK company, website disappears after questions from Stuff |publisher=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/culture/350222238/stripe-studios-boss-sets-uk-company-website-disappears-after-questions-stuff |date=22 March 2024 |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}</ref> An attempt to raise money for a documentary film about the English singer Tony Hadley was aborted after it was reported in the New Zealand media.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last=Currie |first=Shayne |date=24 May 2024 |title=Failed TV firms – Boss' new alias and $2 raised online for new film |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-failed-tv-firms-boss-new-alias-and-2-raised-for-new-film-redundancy-blow-for-newshub-contractors-revealed-the-price-of-commercial-integration-on-tvnz-breakfast/OEXTJ4GFKNGN3AXPF5DH77AHI4/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240524070453/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-failed-tv-firms-boss-new-alias-and-2-raised-for-new-film-redundancy-blow-for-newshub-contractors-revealed-the-price-of-commercial-integration-on-tvnz-breakfast/OEXTJ4GFKNGN3AXPF5DH77AHI4/ |archive-date=24 May 2024 |access-date=25 May 2024 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald}}</ref> The production website which was up until it was removed featured upcoming productions such as an ‘Untitled Horror Slasher Film’ and a documentary about music manager Simon Napier-Bell.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=LOVEDAY Films |url=https://lovedayfilms.com/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312000000/https://lovedayfilms.com/ | archive-date=2024-03-12}}</ref>
In May 2024 the NZ Herald claimed Breingan was using various aliases including AJ James, with a page on film industry website IMDb referencing several new projects. Breingan's middle name is James. Following media reports, the IMDb page was edited with several shows removed or anonymised as ‘untitled.’ <ref>{{Cite web |last=Currie |first=Shayne |title=Failed TV firms: Boss' new alias, $2 raised for new film; Compo blow for some Newshub staff; The price for Breakfast |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-failed-tv-firms-boss-new-alias-and-2-raised-online-for-new-film-redundancy-blow-for-newshub-contractors-revealed-the-price-of-commercial-integration-on-tvnz-breakfast/OEXTJ4GFKNGN3AXPF5DH77AHI4/ |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
In September 2024, Breingan was linked to another new alias on IMDb, Darci Penn. The original biography for Penn stated she was female - "a dynamic television and film producer hailing from Los Angeles celebrated for her innovative contributions to both non-scripted TV and scripted film”. However, outside of IMDb, there is no significant record of Darci Penn having produced, directed, or written any film or television projects. The biography was later updated to state that Darci Penn is also known as Alex Breingan, Alex B, A.J. James and Alex James. It referenced several projects in the works, including a feature film titled ''Doing it for the Money''—“the true story of an all-American nightmare”—and ''Queens of the Court'', which follows “the lives, loves, and dramas of California’s hottest new Pickleball club.” <ref>{{Cite web |last=It |first=Mark |date=2024-09-20 |title=Stripe Studios boss Alex Breingan changes name and has nine new projects in development |url=https://shownews.co.nz/stripe-studios-boss-alex-breingan-changes-name-and-has-nine-new-projects-in-development/ |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=ShowNews |language=en-US}}</ref> Breingan blamed the new alias as a glitch or hack and said he didn't know anyone by the name of Darci Penn at the time.<ref name=":8" />
It was reported in February 2026 that Penn is the current partner of Breingan and had been since mid-to-late 2024.<ref name=":6" /> Breingan then later established ''2nd Hour Films'' with several projects in development under the alias Alex James.<ref name=":6" /> Several projects disappeared from the website for ''2nd Hour Films'' once reported in the media.<ref name=":6" />
TV show Hoff Roading, which was heavily delayed in post production due to Stripe Studios' legal issues, finally aired in New Zealand in September 2025 after being rescued by another production house. The travel show featured David Hasselhoff and Rhys Darby traveling New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currie |first=Shayne |title='Back to life': Baywatch legend's Kiwi series rescued after TV firm's collapse, debts |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-hollywood-legend-david-hasselhoffs-kiwi-tv-series-resurrected-following-collapse-of-original-production-company-with-millions-of-dollars-of-debt/RZP3SISH2FFBHLBCZJP2OROVB4/ |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> Another show, This Tastes Funny with Iliza Shlesinger was also rescued and released in 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-04 |title=NZ producer facing charges {{!}} TV Tonight |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2026/02/nz-producer-facing-charges.html |access-date=2026-02-09 |website=tvtonight.com.au |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch This Tastes Funny |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/this-tastes-funny |access-date=2026-02-09 |website=www.sbs.com.au |language=en}}</ref> It was understood that David Hasslehoff and Iliza Shlesinger both were owed money for the work on the productions.<ref name=":7" /><ref name="NZHFraud" />
In February 2026, the New Zealand Herald reported that Los Angeles production company Lama Entertainment had severed ties with Breingan after he listed himself under the name “Alex James” as a producer on two of its projects on IMDb and on his company website, ''2nd Hour Films''. The company stated that he had no formal role and that the credits were not authorised, and said professional ties were ended after learning of the fraud charges against him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currie |first=Shayne |title='Unauthorised' film claims: LA firm severs link with fraud-accused Kiwi producer; Top TVNZ reporter departs |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-la-production-firm-distances-itself-from-alex-breingan-says-film-claims-unauthorised-top-tvnz-reporter-departs-talleys-appeals-defamation-case/premium/QV642GVJK5EKDLPX6B567Q2RTI/ |access-date=2026-02-12 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
A podcast entitled "How a Kiwi TV producer made a Hollywood escape amid fraud charges" was released in Feb 2026 from the NZ Herald <ref>{{Cite web |title=How a Kiwi TV producer made a Hollywood escape amid fraud charges |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/how-a-kiwi-tv-producer-made-a-hollywood-escape/id1439843579?i=1000750253877 |access-date=2026-04-27 |website=Apple Podcasts |language=en-AU}}</ref> exploring Breingan's legal issues in detail. It is also published on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzsDJDsRyag |title=How a Kiwi TV producer made a Hollywood escape amid fraud charges {{!}} The Front Page |date=2026-02-17 |last=nzherald.co.nz |access-date=2026-04-27 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
=== Serious Fraud Investigation === In February 2026, the Serious Fraud Office announced that it had filed 33 charges of fraud in the Auckland District Court against Breingan. The charges allege that Breingan made false representations and used forged documents to obtain approximately NZ$14.5 million in funding, comprising more than NZ$4.3 million in government funded rebates and NZ$10.2 million in lending.<ref name="NZHFraud">{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-stripe-media-stripe-studios-boss-alex-breingan-facing-33-serious-fraud-office-charges-relating-to-public-and-private-funding-of-tv-shows/premium/OF2RQ56NPVGXNNOGNF6WN6JZIM/ |title=Media Insider: Stripe Media (Stripe Studios) boss Alex Breingan facing 33 Serious Fraud Office charges relating to public and private funding of TV shows |publisher=New Zealand Herald |author=Shayne Currie |date=4 February 2026 |access-date=4 February 2026}}</ref>
The alleged offending relates to the financing of 13 television programmes that were produced, or proposed to be produced, through companies associated with Breingan, including Stripe Studios. The investigation followed a referral from the New Zealand Film Commission, which raised concerns about applications made for the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate by entities linked to Stripe Media.
At the time the charges were filed, Breingan was still reported to be residing overseas in the Calabasas area of Los Angeles and had not yet appeared in court.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360933719/stripe-media-boss-facing-33-fraud-charges-related-funding-television-programmes |title=Stripe Media boss facing 33 fraud charges related to the funding of television programmes |publisher=Stuff |author=Rachel Moore |date=4 February 2026 |access-date=4 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/585900/television-producer-alexander-breingan-facing-33-charges-brought-by-serious-fraud-office |title=Television producer Alexander Breingan facing 33 charges brought by Serious Fraud Office |publisher=RNZ |author=Sam Sherwood |date=4 February 2026 |access-date=4 February 2026}}</ref> Media reports stated that no date had been set for his first court appearance and raised questions about whether he would return to New Zealand voluntarily or face extradition proceedings.<ref name=":6" />
Breingan told the ''New Zealand Herald'' that he denies the charges against him by the SFO and said the matter was before the New Zealand courts.<ref name=":8" />
In March 2026, the Serious Fraud Office revealed further details of the 33 charges, stating that 20 charges relate to allegedly using a forged document and the other 13 charges are of allegedly obtaining by deception. The SFO stated the alleged offending relates to the financing of 13 television programmes that were produced, or proposed to be produced, by Breingan through his now collapsed Stripe Studios companies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currie |first=Shayne |title=Mike v John: Will Campbell lift RNZ again?; 'Homecoming': Katie Bradford returns; 'F***ing f***' - RNZ reporter's on-air blooper |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider-will-john-campbell-help-rnz-rise-again-rnz-reporters-sweary-blooper-katie-bradfords-new-role-questions-over-facebook-google-ad-data/premium/K7UEUFT32ZG7BKTZFTP7PTCRBA/ |access-date=2026-03-21 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
== Filmography ==
=== Television === {| class="wikitable" |+ !Year !Title !Role !Notes |- |2015 |''100 Day Bach'' |Executive producer | |- |2017 |''Slice of Paradise'' |Associate producer | |- |2016–2020 |''The Cafe'' |Executive producer | |- |2019 |''100 Day Renovation'' |Executive producer | |- |2020 |''The Bach that JK built'' |Producer, director and writer | |- |2020 |''Dream Home Dilemma'' |Executive producer | |- |2021 |''Uncharted New Zealand'' |Executive producer and writer | |- |2019 |''Great Southern Truckers'' |Executive producer, director and writer | |- |2020–2024 |''The Circus'' |Executive producer and writer | |- |2022 |''Reunited'' |Executive producer and cowriter | |- |2022 |''Rich Listers'' |Executive producer and writer | |- |2022 |''Clubhouse Rescue'' |Executive producer | |- |2023 |''Snow Crew'' |Executive producer and writer | |}
== Footnotes == {{notelist-lr}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Breingan, Alex}} Category:Living people Category:1972 births Category:People from Lyme Regis Category:Alumni of Durham University Category:New Zealand television producers Category:New Zealand radio presenters Category:Place of birth missing (living people) Category:People charged with fraud