FremantleMedia Enterprises Launches Drama Development Initiative

LONDON, May 3: FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has launched a new London-based international drama development group, with Ann Harris—previously with Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI)—tapped as the head consultant to spearhead the initiative.

FME launched the project in order to create and develop its own new British concepts for returning drama series, with a view towards distributing both finished programs and formats internationally.

As head consultant, Harris will assist in the recruitment of a team of talented British scriptwriters in order to begin working on a range of drama initiatives. Any projects greenlit by FME will be developed further to pilot stage in conjunction with a number of producers that include FremantleMedia’s talkbackTHAMES, in preparation for pitching to broadcasters.

Harris joins FME from SPTI, where she served as the VP of U.K. television production and was responsible for establishing, building and managing SPTI’s U.K. television production.

David Ellender, the CEO of FremantleMedia Enterprises, commented: “We are very excited to launch this new initiative, taking a proactive role in further establishing FME’s position as a key player in the drama field. By being proactive in the development of a range of high quality returning British drama content, we will continue to build our scripted programming portfolio, complementing those series acquired from predominantly North American third party producers. We are thrilled that Ann Harris is joining us to head up the in-house team, and I look forward to working with her on developing what will surely be an exciting and diverse range of program ideas.”