UKTV Hires First Dedicated Drama Commissioner

UKTV has appointed Philippa Collie Cousins, the BAFTA Award-winning director behind The Deadness of Dad, as its first dedicated drama commissioner.

Collie Cousins will join the company in May and will oversee all upcoming original drama series for UKTV. She will report to Pete Thornton, senior commissioning editor for scripted content.

Collie Cousins served as head of development at Fresh Pictures and was head of drama and comedy development at Hartswood West.

Collie Cousins said, “I am really looking forward to finding the best original drama for UKTV. Drama can and will go platinum in the U.K. because we have brilliant writers and directors working here. We have to be brave to break new ground and new narratives. My aim is to commission the best talent for UKTV.”

Thornton added, “I’m thrilled at the prospect of Philippa joining the scripted team at UKTV to spearhead our move into drama commissioning. She brings with her a wealth of invaluable experience and a reputation for impeccable taste, having been involved in the development and production of some of the U.K.’s best-loved dramas of recent years. This is a busy, dynamic and exciting time at UKTV and I can’t wait to welcome Philippa to the team.”