DARE Pictures has appointed Dee Hendry to the newly created position of Managing Director and made two senior promotions.
The move follows the recent investment in Derren Lawford’s Dare by US-based nonscripted production company Asylum Entertainment Group (part of Endeavour).
Hendry will work closely with and Executive Chair, Michelle Morgan, to further drive operation strategies relating to production, finance, personnel, and business affairs, as the indie bolsters its international and domestic activities. She will manage business development, sales strategy, and IP development.
With a career that spans over 22 years in TV production, she joins DARE (Diversity, Allyship, Representation, Empowerment) from Honey Bee Media, where she was Co-Founder and COO. During her tenure she worked across a broad range of genres including: Shipwreck Treasure Hunter with Ross Kemp (Sky History), Adele’s 30 Greatest Moments(Channel 5), and Frontmen (Reelz US). Prior to this, Hendry was Head of Production and Operations at David Olusaga’s indie Uplands where she oversaw shows such as The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files (1 x 60’ BBC TWO), and The Unremembered: Britain’s Forgotten Heroes (1 x 60’ Channel 4). She has also held senior production roles at Viacom, ITV, BBC and Fremantle.
Alongside Hendry’s appointment, company Chair Michelle Morgan has expanded her role to Executive Chair, taking a more active role in the company’s business strategy and development, as well as chairing the board. Morgan will also maximise connections and IP opportunities, and identify strategic partnerships aligned with the values of the business.
Fatima Shafiq who joined DARE Pictures last year as Head of Development has been promoted to Creative Director. Her expanded role will see her responsible for overseeing development of cross-platform documentaries and factual series, as well as scripted, podcast, digital and talent partnerships. Over the last year, the former journalist has secured a trio of commissions across current affairs, digital and an upcoming documentary series. As well as serving as an Executive Producer on projects like The Secrets of UK Prisons for Channel 4. She’s also secured a series of paid developments from broadcasters and SVODs.
Derren Lawford, Founder & CEO, DARE Pictures said: “We’re lucky to have someone of Dee’s considerable expertise and acumen to help lay the foundations and create a robust infrastructure for us to execute and deliver on DARE’s mission. Key to our creative success to date has been Fatima, whose promotion is a true reflection of the entrepreneurialism she has for finding unique and bold stories from around the world. As we enter a new phase of growth, it’s also a huge plus for us to have someone of Michelle’s calibre and track record for creating purposeful and profitable opportunities taking a more active role in the business.”
Added Dee Hendry: “I am truly thrilled to be joining the DARE team and am immensely impressed by Derren’s remarkable slate and track record. Working alongside Derren, Michelle and the strategic partners at Asylum is a fantastic opportunity to drive the ambitious goals forward.”
Said Fatima Shafiq: “DARE is a truly unique production company, from the types of ideas on our slate to the commissions we win and the makeup of our team. I’m incredibly excited to take on this newly created role and build on our success by expanding my remit across multiple platforms and adjacent genres.”
DARE Pictures is also supported by the UK Global Screen Fund – financed by the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and administered by the BFI.
Jon Creamer
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