New Indie Genial Productions Launches with Investment from ITV Studios

Simon Nye, the writer behind hit shows The Durrells and Men Behaving Badly, and Sophie Clarke-Jervoise, former BBC head of comedy and MD of Tiger Aspect, have teamed up to launch Genial Productions with a minority investment from ITV Studios.

The new indie will focus on comedy and comedy-drama series. ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVSGE) will be Genial’s distribution partner for all original formats created under its banner.

Nye and Clarke-Jervoise have between them created, written and produced hundreds of hours of shows across many platforms. Nye’s work has spanned theater, sitcom, drama, adaptations, animation and film. Clarke-Jervoise has exec produced, produced and developed British comedy series such as Benidorm, Harry Enfield & Chums, Mount Pleasant, Bad Education, The Vicar of Dibley, Blackadder Back & Forth and The Catherine Tate Show.

Julian Bellamy, the managing director of ITV Studios, said: “Simon and Sophie have an enviable record of creating, writing and producing some of the best-loved, most famous comedy and comedy-drama of the past 20 years. They are fantastic creative talents and we look forward to working with them and watching Genial Productions thrive.”

Nye added: “This is a huge thrill. I’ve been writing TV for 30 years and am looking forward to expanding my horizons into production. Sophie is better than anyone at creating popular shows and getting them onto the air, and I have experienced ITV’s great expertise first hand on The Durrells. What can possibly go wrong?!”

Clarke-Jervoise said: “Having enjoyed working with Simon over the past 20 years, now feels the right time to consolidate our shared experience and we’re excited at the prospect of new joint endeavors. ITV Studios are a perfect fit for us so we’re delighted to have their support and experience.”