Big Talk Productions Opens Northern Hub

Big Talk Productions, behind such shows as Cold Feet for ITV, is opening a northern production base to develop and produce comedy and drama from a new Manchester hub.

Our Zoo, season three of Cold Feet, season two of Raised By Wolves, Houdini & Doyle, two seasons of Timewasters and the BBC Two single film Diana & I were all produced and filmed in the north by Big Talk Productions. Big Talk North’s development will be led by Executive Producer Kathryn O’Connor.

Chief Executive Kenton Allen said: “I owe my career to the many very talented individuals in the North West. I started working at Granada Television in 1994 which is how I was lucky enough to meet Craig Cash and Caroline Aherne and produce The Royle Family. We love shooting there, love working with all the remarkably talented cast and crews we’ve got to know over the years and we can’t wait to grow Big Talk North into a really significant provider of world-class scripted entertainment out of Manchester and all points North, East and West.”

O’Connor said: “As a proud northerner with a passion for all things scripted, I am delighted to be part of Big Talk’s new adventure. The talent up here is vast, varied and ever growing. Over the past 20 years, I have had the honor of working with some of the strongest northern voices and the hardest working crews. I’m excited to be given the opportunity to develop original and entertaining content at Big Talk North, working with new and established writing talent and adding to the long list of world-class drama produced here.”

Julian Bellamy, managing director of ITV Studios, said: “We are delighted that Big Talk is building on their considerable northern output and heritage with Big Talk North. ITV has had a substantive historical presence outside London and with almost half of its staff based in the nations and regions, ITV Studios is brilliantly placed to grow commissions from across the country, reflecting the face of Britain.”