Ben Stephenson
Globally renowned drama producer and TV executive Ben Stephenson is to launch a new transatlantic scripted label within ITV Studios. Stephenson’s label will be based in London and Los Angeles and will focus on high end premium drama. The new label adds to ITV Studios’ burgeoning scripted slate and stable of world class producers.
The label will have teams based in both the UK and the United States, with Stephenson splitting his time between the two. Distribution for the new label will be led by ITV Studios. In Los Angeles, Stephenson will be supported by ITV Studios US studio infrastructure under the leadership of Philippe Maigret.
Since 2015, Stephenson has been Head of Television at J.J. Abrams’ television and film production company Bad Robot Productions in California, responsible for developing and executive producing the television slate. Notable hits under his tenure include the multi-series sci-fi title “Westworld” and the Emmy nominated “LoveCraft Country,” both at HBO; “Lisey’s Story” and “Little Voice” at Apple; “Castlerock” at Hulu; “UFO” at Showtime; and “Challenger” at Netflix, as well as upcoming series “My Glory Was That I had Such Friends” and “Presumed Innocent” at Apple.
Prior to this, Stephenson spent nine years at the BBC where he held the role of Controller of Drama Commissioning, overseeing 450 hours of drama a year. During his time at the BBC, Stephenson achieved incredible success with an eclectic mix of critically acclaimed, award-winning and record-breaking rating shows, including the creation of international BBC hits such as “Luther,” “Sherlock,” “The Fall,” “Line of Duty,” “Happy Valley,” “Top of the Lake,” and “Peaky Blinders.”
“I have had the most amazing time at Bad Robot and will be forever grateful to JJ, Katie and Brian and the whole team at Bad Robot, as well as our partners at Warners. It’s been a once in a lifetime opportunity and I have truly never learnt so much or worked with such kind and talented partners. I will miss everyone profoundly. But now is the time to forge my own company and I am very grateful to Julian and the whole team at ITV Studios for supporting my ambition to create a genuinely international company in the United States and the UK,” Ben Stephenson said.
“Ben is one of the most talented drama executives in the business. His fingerprints are across some of the best, most memorable drama series in global television from 'Westworld' to 'Sherlock.' I’m delighted ITV Studios will be Ben's partner for his next big chapter - an ambitious new transatlantic venture dedicated to producing truly world class drama,” Julian Bellamy, Managing Director ITV Studios, added.