Hot Sauce Pictures Taps ITV Alum as Creative Director

Hot Sauce Pictures has appointed Helen Ziegler, currently senior commissioning editor at ITV, as creative director, a role she will take up later in 2025.

Prior to joining ITV, Ziegler served as director of television at Mammoth Screen, where she earned credits on World on Fire, The ABC Murders, Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, Tom Jones and Endeavour.

Hot Sauce was launched in October 2024 when Sony Pictures Television backed investigative journalists-turned-creatives Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson. Lawn and Patterson serve as co-CEOs of the company.

“To us, Helen has it all,” Lawn and Patterson said. “Ambition, expertise and a sensibility that chimes so closely with our own. We’re equally inspired and humbled that she’s going to be such a big part of the Hot Sauce journey over the coming years. Our creative partnership is now triangle-shaped, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

“I have loved and valued my time at ITV and feel very lucky to have worked with Polly Hill and Kevin Lygo at such an iconic broadcaster,” Ziegler said. “I’m now thrilled to take this next step as creative director. Declan and Adam are a truly creative force, and the chance to build Hot Sauce with them is unmissable. I have long admired their unique approach to storytelling, and the opportunity to bring exciting voices to this venture is a dream come true. I can’t wait to get started.”

Polly Hill, director of drama at ITV, commented. “I have loved working with Helen, and I am sorry to see her leave, but I know her heart is in production, so I am excited for her and wish her well in her new venture.”