Vikings Creator Michael Hirst Launches Indie Drama Banner

Michael Hirst, the BAFTA-nominated showrunner and creator of the hit series Vikings and The Tudors, has launched Green Pavilion Entertainment along with long-time producing partners Morgan O’Sullivan and James Flynn.

Green Pavilion has already struck an exclusive, first-look deal with MGM Television to develop and produce original drama series across a variety of genres. Under the multiyear deal, the production company will develop Ronin, a TV series inspired by the 1998 spy thriller starring Robert De Niro and Jean Reno.

Hirst commented: “Green Pavilion has been a long time in the making. Everyone involved in this new venture has experience developing and making dramas which appeal to international audiences. Having MGM Television as an ally in this venture will help us to build on our strengths and draw the best writers, directors and creative talent in the industry to our projects.”

Mark Burnett, MGM’s president of the television group and digital, and Steve Stark, MGM’s president of television production and development, said, “Michael Hirst, Morgan O’Sullivan and James Flynn have brilliantly shepherded Vikings for the past five years and, during that time, we have witnessed first-hand the quality of artists and talent that this team have expertly assembled to produce premium content on a massive scale. We look forward to continuing working with their whole team at Green Pavilion.”

Sharon Remmer will serve as creative director. Prior to joining the company, Remmer was head of drama in charge of development and production at Frank Spotnitz’s Big Light Productions.

Remmer said, “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with great talent to create original and distinctive pieces in a time where there seems to be an ever-growing appetite for compelling drama.”