BBC Worldwide & Access Entertainment Back New Indie

LONDON: The new independent production company House Productions has launched with the backing of BBC Worldwide and Access Entertainment.

Tessa Ross and Juliette Howell are behind the new outfit and serve as joint CEOs. Ross was previously the controller of film and drama at Channel 4. Howell stepped down last year after five years as Working Title’s head of television.

BBC Worldwide has taken a 25-percent stake in House Productions as part of its investment in the new indie. The deal will see the BBC’s commercial and international arm act as the global distributor for House’s TV slate. Access Entertainment, a recently formed venture headed up by Danny Cohen, has entered into a first-look deal to develop and finance feature films with House Productions.

Ross said: “Juliette and I are truly excited about what we can achieve together, and with our partners at BBC Worldwide and Access Entertainment. We’re going to build a creative and supportive home at House Productions and look forward to growing something unique and long lasting with both new and old collaborators.”

Howell added: “Along with our partners, Tessa and I share a vision for the company where the flow of ideas and creative talent between film and television can achieve the best and most ambitious work. House Productions will be the home of original, exciting stories, a place where ideas can be nurtured and produced in a supportive environment.”

Helen Jackson, BBC Worldwide’s chief content officer, commented: “Supporting House Productions helps us to continue our mission of delivering high-end British content to the world. Tessa and Juliette are two of the most inspirationally creative people I have ever met and we’re proud to play a part in enabling yet another great British start-up.”

Len Blavatnik, owner of Access Entertainment parent company Access Industries, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Tessa Ross and Juliette Howell and look forward to jointly producing premium-quality films with world-class talent.”

Cohen, the president of Access Entertainment, said: “The mission of Access Entertainment is to work with the world’s leading creative talent and this first-look film deal with House Productions is an important step in our plans. I’m excited to get going on developing a slate of premium quality movies with them.”