BBC Studios has launched a new scripted production label, River Pictures, led by Andrew Morrissey and Michael Parke.
The new BBC Studios label will have offices in both Liverpool and London and has taken inspiration from both the Mersey and Thames rivers for the name of the new outfit. One of River Pictures’ key remits will be to continue to bring strong regional voices to screen.
The label will be part of BBC Studios scripted production division and both Morrissey and Parke will report into BBC Studios President of Scripted Productions, Mark Linsey.
Morrissey and Parke’s track record as drama executive producers at BBC Studios includes both series of Jimmy McGovern’s BAFTA winning series Time and all three series of the RTE hit Smother. In 2024 they have two big commissions coming to screen, the first is the Irish crime series Blackshore for RTE alongside the factual drama Kidnapped for BBC Three which tells the story of Chloe Ayling, a British model who was abducted in Italy in 2017.
Mark Linsey, President Scripted Productions says: “Andrew and Michael are two incredibly talented storytellers who can deliver authentic, complicated stories that have impact in a way that is thought provoking and always accessible to a wide audience. Aside from their current productions they have an exciting slate of titles and I can’t wait to see it coming to fruition under their new label.”
Andrew Morrissey and Michael Parke say: “We’re very proud of the shows we have made with the team at BBC Studios and hugely excited for this new chapter and the commitment to making bold, ambitious, and characterful drama in an environment that is creatively supportive. Having a base in Liverpool, as well as London, will allow us to build on the strong creative relationships we have established in the North West when making Time and Kidnapped. We can’t wait to get going.”
River Pictures will open its doors for business later this year.
Jon Creamer
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