Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse in BBC Studios First-Look Deal

Mindhouse Productions, founded by filmmakers Louis Theroux, Arron Fellows and Nancy Strang, has secured a first-look distribution deal with BBC Studios.

The two-year deal will see BBC Studios become the new indie’s first-look distributor and financing partner for its future slate. The independent production company was founded with a mission to tackle “thought-provoking and complex subjects,” some with Theroux attached on-screen.

Fellows, co-founder and creative director, said: “Louis and I have worked together for nearly three years and our aim has been to use intelligence and humor to explore complex subjects. In founding Mindhouse, our ambition is to build on that track record and nurture new film-making talent.”

Theroux added: “For me, this is a long-held dream come true. The idea is to tell stories with nuance, compassion, and playfulness. Some programs commissioned from Mindhouse, I will present, but for others, I will have an off-camera role. And that, for me, is the most exciting part of this new venture: the idea of building a team and putting an array of different new voices and talents on screen.”

Mark Linsey, BBC Studios’ chief creative officer, said: “Arron, Louis and Nancy have a distinguished track record in making fearless, distinctive and popular programs.  We’re delighted to be working with them to tell new stories that will inspire audiences in the U.K. and around the world.”

Theroux added: “To have the backing of BBC Studios gives us a great deal of confidence and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be launching this new phase of my professional life.”

Strang, co-founder and director of development, said: “Louis has enjoyed a long partnership with BBC Studios, including distributing his programming around the world for nearly 25 years. To have this continue along with our broader commissions is testament both to the relationship that Arron and Louis have built with BBC Studios and also Studios’ confidence in our ability to deliver engaging content outside of Louis’ own projects.”