The Garden Bolsters Senior Team

The Garden, co-producer of Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge, has bolstered its senior team as its slate expands.

Lucie Duxbury has been promoted to head of programs. Duxbury steps up from executive producer, having worked on various The Garden hits. For the last year, she has been acting head of programs.

Spencer Kelly has been named director of factual. Kelly has taken on some of The Garden’s biggest projects, with a particular emphasis on landing new formats of scale.

Jermaine Blake has joined as executive producer. Blake is currently series director on 24 Hours in Police Custody, helping to steer the series as part of its senior team. He also recently directed BBC’s award-winning Two Daughters.

The appointments follow the news that Squid Game: The Challenge has been greenlit for a second season. The show is part of a slew of recently released and upcoming titles on the company’s premium-access slate.

“We’re very lucky to have such strong talent within the company and, with some really big and exciting new series coming down the track, these moves give us the firepower we need—and the individuals the recognition they deserve,” said John Hay, CEO of The Garden. “It’s great to have Nic back at the helm, and Lucie, Spencer and Jermaine have all played a key part in setting a gold standard and expanding our range. So, with the new team in place as we work across an ever-wider range of genres, broadcasters and streamers, I’m excited to see where the current momentum can take us next.”

Duxbury added, “I’m immensely proud to be stepping into this new role at such an exciting time in The Garden’s story. I can’t think of a more creative and inspiring group of people to work alongside as we continue to break new ground.”

Kelly said, “I am honored to be working with an extremely talented team in this new role and look forward to playing a part in what promises to be a thrilling new phase in The Garden’s growth.”

Blake commented, “I’m so pleased to join The Garden as an executive producer and look forward to working with the most talented, dynamic team in documentaries. I’m excited to contribute to the innovation The Garden is famous for as the company goes from strength to strength.”