South of the River Pictures Hires Lucy Barzun Donnelly

Lucy Barzun Donnelly (Grey Gardens, Friends with Kids) has joined South of the River Pictures, the independent scripted production company founded by Olivia Colman (The Crown, The Favourite), Ed Sinclair (Landscapers) and Tom Carver, as producer.

In the newly created role, Donnelly will have an open mandate across the company’s film development and production activities. She will focus on nurturing new and established creators from diverse backgrounds, with a view to bringing in a range of film projects for the company’s first-look deal with Searchlight Pictures.

Donnelly began her career at John Lyons’ Kalkaska, where she co-produced the Oscar-nominated drama Pieces of April and played a key role in projects such as Austin Powers: Goldmember. Donnelly then launched her own production company, developing and producing films such as the Sundance favorite The Go Getter and Grey Gardens, starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange.

Donnelly went on to produce Friends with Kids and spearhead a film fund, serving as executive producer for Maggie’s Plan, directed by Rebecca Miller and starring Greta Gerwig and Julianne Moore. Then, in London, Donnelly founded LBD Productions to create TV and film projects with a global scope.

In addition to the hiring of Donnelly, South of the River Pictures has promoted Lina Stroud to director of development, film and TV. Stroud, who has been with the company since its founding, will continue to oversee the development of content across the company’s slate.

“We’re thrilled to have Lucy on board to help us steer South of the River through this exciting new chapter,” Colman and Sinclair said. “She’s hugely experienced, with relationships spanning decades on both sides of the Atlantic, and has a great eye for an idea and the connections that will bring it to life. And importantly, she’s warm and fun! We’re also delighted for Lina, who has been here since the beginning, playing a pivotal role in shaping our vision. Lucy’s extensive experience combined with Lina’s deep understanding of the company will help drive the next phase of growth for South of the River Pictures.”