LONDON — BBC drama exec Phillippa Giles, who was exec producer on Golden Globe-winning series “Luther,” is to head up Bandit Television, Endemol Shine UK’s new scripted production label.
Bandit will create and produce original dramas for the U.K. market, which will be distributed globally by Endemol Shine Intl.
Giles, who takes the role of managing director at Bandit, was at the BBC for more than 25 years. Among the shows she exec produced was long-running procedural hit “Silent Witness,” which she revamped with a new cast led by Emilia Fox. Other credits included BAFTA-winning “Our Mutual Friend” and Emmy Award-winner “Jane Eyre.” She won a BAFTA in 1990 with her first producer credit on “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit.”
“Over my years at the BBC I’ve developed many important relationships, and had a lot of fun along the way. At Bandit, I plan to continue to embrace the same wealth of talent but also open the doors to new voices, taking advantage of the range of opportunities now open to me,” Giles said. “The scope for drama going forward is vast and with the global backing of Endemol Shine, I am ready for the challenge.”
“Phillippa is an exceptionally talented producer with a strong track record and vision for successful procedural dramas,” said Richard Johnston, CEO of Endemol Shine UK. “The launch of Bandit Television further signifies our commitment to creating a diverse slate of world-class scripted content for the worldwide audience.”
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Endemol Shine UK’s portfolio of drama production labels includes Artists Studio (“The Fall” for the BBC, starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan), Brown Eyed Boy (“Vicious” for ITV, starring Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi), Fifty Fathoms (“Fortitude” for Sky, starring Stanley Tucci, Christopher Eccleston and Sofie Grabol), House of Tomorrow (Charlie Brooker’s “Black Mirror” for Channel 4), Kudos (“Broadchurch” for ITV, starring Olivia Coleman and David Tennant), Lovely Day (“Grantchester” for ITV, starring James Norton and Robson Green) and Tiger Aspect (“Peaky Blinders” for the BBC, starring Cillian Murphy and Helen McCrory), as well as the recently launched Cave Bear Prods.
