ITV Studios Appoints Creative Director for Drama

LONDON: ITV Studios has named Francis Hopkinson, the executive producer of DCI Banks and Wallander, as creative director for drama, effective in September.

Hopkinson will be responsible for establishing a new drama unit and will develop and produce a new slate of scripted content for internal and external commissions. He is currently the executive producer at Left Bank Pictures. Prior to Left Bank, he was commissioning editor for Channel 4’s drama department, where he oversaw projects such as Elizabeth I, Sugar Rush, Skins and others.

Kevin Lygo, the managing director at ITV Studios, said: “Francis is one of the most talented drama producers working in the industry today; he has an eye for ideas which resonate with large audiences along with impressive relationships with talent on- and off-screen. Drama is a hugely important area for ITV Studios and with Francis joining our team we are in a very good position to build on our already strong slate to produce more scripted content for U.K. and international broadcasters.”

Hopkinson added: “I am delighted to be returning to ITV Studios at a time when there is such great ambition for drama. I’m looking forward to working with Kevin and team to develop a new slate of drama for both ITV and external broadcasters.”