Final six UK filmmaking teams selected for Netflix and Creative UK’s BREAKOUT programme
// Film & TV
Together with Entertainment One (eOne), we’re pleased to announce the appointment of Polly Williams as Head of Drama, Entertainment One and Creative England Television Drama Venture.
Williams will handle day-to-day operations for the venture, which aims to attract and nurture original UK creators and to develop, finance and produce drama content for worldwide audiences.
Williams brings a wide range of experience from across television development and production and a passion for finding new voices. Most recently, Williams held the role of Development Director at Sally Head Productions, overseeing the company’s dynamic development slate. Since 2005, Williams has served as a producer on medical drama ‘Holby City’ for BBC1, on Kudos’ 6-part drama ‘Lip Service’ for BBC3 and on two series of primetime drama-comedy ‘Hotel Babylon’ for Carnival/BBC1. She has also worked as a script editor and script executive on numerous other dramas. Williams started her career in the industry with roles at two high-profile talent agencies, handling foreign rights for novels and discovering new writer and director talent.
Carrie Stein, Executive Vice President, Global Production at eOne Television said:
“We are delighted to welcome Polly. Her breadth of experience combined with her great instincts made her the ideal candidate to run this venture. As both the first production outfit in the UK for eOne and the maiden television initiative for Creative England, we are thrilled to officially open our doors and start to share great stories with audiences across the global marketplace.”
Caroline Norbury MBE, CEO, Creative England said:
“UK Drama has the ability to captivate the imaginations of audiences with international successes such as Poldark, Broadchurch, and Downton Abbey. Having Polly on board with her extensive network of contacts, her eye for a hit, and with eOne as our partner, I know we will find exciting new talent with stories from across the country which will continue to enthrall people world-wide.”
With close relationships across the UK industry and creative pool, Williams will ensure close collaboration with the production community throughout all phases of development, production and distribution. She will work in tandem with leads from both eOne and Creative England to source and evaluate projects with global potential. Additionally, through its London-based television sales headquarters, eOne will provide global expertise and handle worldwide distribution for all television content created.
Polly Williams said:
“I am delighted to be part of this exciting new venture. eOne and Creative England are a dynamic combination with a broad reach from which to find and nurture new and established talent.”
Head here to find out more about the Creative England and eOne partnership.
