All3Media Backs New Drama Label

Siobhan Finnigan and Judith King are launching a new scripted production company, Witchery Pictures, which is backed by All3Media.

Finnigan and King met while working together at Red Planet Pictures, where they originated and won BBC and ITV script commissions for projects with Andrew Davies, James Dormer, David Harrower and Peter McKenna. Witchery Pictures’ first project is a rom-com musical set in ’90s Dublin, with original music from the band Snow Patrol and scripted by Aoife Crehan.

Finnigan and King said: “We wanted to create a series with the same dry wit and warm heart as Irish classics The Commitments or Once for a new generation—and the combination of Gary Lightbody’s iconic songwriting and Aoife’s utterly original voice has produced something that’s absolutely nostalgic and escapist yet unlike anything we’ve seen before.”

The company is under an umbrella with New Pictures, whose CEO, Charlie Pattinson, will co-exec Witchery Pictures’ shows in its early years.

Finnigan and King added: “We are thrilled to be working with the stellar teams at All3Media and New Pictures, who hold unparalleled reputations in their fields.”

All3Media CEO Jane Turton commented: “Witchery Pictures is a perfect example of what All3Media is all about. We’re thrilled to welcome these creative, talented women to the group and excited to see what they will no doubt achieve under the expert guidance of Charlie and the New Pictures team.”