DARE Pictures Names Managing Director

Dee Hendry has been appointed to the newly created position of managing director at DARE Pictures.

Hendry will further drive operation strategies relating to production, finance, personnel and business affairs as the indie bolsters its international and domestic activities. She will manage business development, sales strategy and IP development.

With a career that spans over 22 years in TV production, Hendry joins DARE from the U.K. indie Honey Bee Media, where she was co-founder and COO. Hendry has also held senior production roles at Viacom, ITV, BBC and Fremantle.

Also, company chair Michelle Morgan has expanded her role to executive chair, taking a more active role in the company’s business strategy and development, as well as chairing the board.

Fatima Shafiq, who joined DARE Pictures last year as head of development, has been promoted to creative director. Her expanded role will see her responsible for overseeing development of cross-platform documentaries and factual series, as well as scripted, podcast, digital and talent partnerships.

Derren Lawford, founder and CEO of DARE Pictures, said: “We’re lucky to have someone of Dee’s considerable expertise and acumen to help lay the foundations and create a robust infrastructure for us to execute and deliver on DARE’s mission. Key to our creative success to date has been Fatima, whose promotion is a true reflection of the entrepreneurialism she has for finding unique and bold stories from around the world. As we enter a new phase of growth, it’s also a huge plus for us to have someone of Michelle’s calibre and track record for creating purposeful and profitable opportunities taking a more active role in the business.”

Hendry added: “I am truly thrilled to be joining the DARE team and am immensely impressed by Derren’s remarkable slate and track record. Working alongside Derren, Michelle and the strategic partners at Asylum is a fantastic opportunity to drive the ambitious goals forward.”

Shafiq added: “DARE is a truly unique production company, from the types of ideas on our slate to the commissions we win and the makeup of our team. I’m incredibly excited to take on this newly created role and build on our success by expanding my remit across multiple platforms and adjacent genres.”