Banijay UK Backs Sir Lenny Henry’s Scripted Startup

Banijay UK has invested in Esmerelda, the new scripted production venture from actor, comedian and writer Sir Lenny Henry.

Building on the upcoming launch of Three Little Birds for ITV, written by Henry, the new company will focus on broad-appeal drama and comedy, with an emphasis on working with underrepresented writers, cast and crew. Executive producer, writer and director Jon Sen will join Henry as joint managing director.

The investment from Banijay comes via the Banijay UK Growth Fund and will enable the new company to build its team and slate. It also includes a first-look with distributor Banijay Rights.

Sen was most recently an executive producer and development executive at BBC Studios, where he helmed Casualty and EastEnders.

Previously, Henry founded the production company Douglas Road in 2014, which was backed by Endemol Shine (acquired by Banijay in 2020). He will stand down from his role as CEO to focus on Esmerelda. Managing Director Angela Ferreira will continue to run the business.

“Building up to this announcement has been such a roller coaster ride of keeping my nose to the grindstone and my mouth shut,” Henry said. “I am so proud that Banijay have seen fit to invest in us. I can’t wait to scheme and dream with my new, soon-to-be-announced team at Esmerelda led by the mighty Jon Sen, who is not only a talented producer but also an excellent writer and director.”

“We are so delighted to announce this investment in Esmerelda Productions,” said Patrick Holland, Banijay UK’s CEO. “Sir Lenny Henry is both a national treasure and a creative legend in his own lifetime and, together with the brilliant Jon Sen, has plans for an ambitious scripted slate. Building on the excellence of Sir Lenny’s drama Three Little Birds (made in conjunction with Tiger Aspect for ITV) the label will bring storytelling from a wide range of diverse authorship to broad audiences. Banijay UK is so proud to be chosen as their creative and business partner.”

Sen added, “Lenny and I are united in our commitment to offer artists a nurturing environment in order for them to celebrate their unique voices. Our shared love of the magic of story makes this a wonderfully exciting opportunity to make some exceptional drama.”