BBC Studios launches new scripted production label, River Pictures

BBC Studios has created a new scripted production label named River Pictures. The company will open its doors for business later this year.“We’re very proud of the shows we have made with the team at BBC Studios and hugely excited for this new chapter and the commitment to making bold, ambitious, and characterful drama in an environment that is creatively supportive," Heads of the new venture,Andrew Morrissey and Michael Parke said.

Led by Andrew Morrissey and Michael Parke, the new BBC Studios label will have offices in both Liverpool and London and has taken inspiration from both the Mersey and Thames rivers for the name of the new outfit. The label, created to bring strong regional voices to screen, will be part of BBC Studios scripted production division and both Morrissey and Parke will report into BBC Studios President of Scripted Productions, Mark Linsey.

The decision to create River Pictures reflects BBC Studios’ strategy of supporting creative talent and strengthening its position as a global studio bringing the best British storytelling to both UK and international audiences. "Having a base in Liverpool, as well as London, will allow us to build on the strong creative relationships we have established in the North West when making Time and Kidnapped. We can’t wait to get going," Morrissey and Parke said.

Morrissey and Parke have a record of producing award winning and globally successful series in their roles as drama executive producers at BBC Studios, includingboth series of Jimmy McGovern’s BAFTA winning series Time and all three series of the RTE hit Smother. Next year, they have two big commissions coming to screen, the first is the gripping Irish crime series Blackshore for RTE alongside the factual drama Kidnapped for BBC Three which tells the story of Chloe Ayling, a British model who was abducted in Italy in 2017, and faced disbelief and cynicism from media and public alike before her captors were finally jailed.

“Andrew and Michael are two incredibly talented storytellers who can deliver authentic, complicated stories that have impact in a way that is thought provoking and always accessible to a wide audience," Mark Linsey, President Scripted Productions said. "Aside from their current productions they have an exciting slate of titles and I can’t wait to see it coming to fruition under their new label.”