Studiocanal names Patrick Schweitzer CEO of Red Production Company

Studiocanal has appointed award-winning Patrick Schweitzer as CEO of RED Production Company. “Patrick will be an incredible asset to RED,"  Anna Marsh, CEO of Studiocanal and Deputy CEO of CANAL+ Group, said. "He already has an extraordinary portfolio of drama to his name and an innate ability to create programming that is relatable to every kind of audience. He shares STUDIOCANAL’s global mission to bring stories to the screen that have both a local and international resonance with real people."

Upon assuming his new role, Schweitzer will contribute to RED Production Company's current projects, which include Neil Gaiman’s "Anansi Boys" in co-production with Endor Productions, set for delivery to Prime Video in 2024, as well as the success of its most recent series include the award-winning "It’s A Sin" for Channel Fous, "Years and Years," starring Emma Thompson for BBC One, "No Return" starring Sheridan Smith for ITV and Harlan Coben’s "Stay Close" for Netflix.   

For the past 30 years Schweitzer has worked across a multitude of high-end television drama with a wide range writing and creative talent in the industry.  Prior to joining RED, he spent five years at Tall Story Pictures, working closely with writers and developing new shows. Alongside this he Executive Produced ITV’S "Grace," "Redemption" and the second series of "Bancroft" and "The Bay."  Previously he was producer in development on Sky's Gangs of London, having produced Sky's hugely acclaimed Save Me, the BBC’s SSGB, "The Interceptor," "Doctor Who" and the final series of ITV’s "Whitechapel."   

"After a wonderful five years at Tall Story and ITV, I couldn’t be more excited to join RED for its next chapter," Schweitzer said. "I thrive to collaborate with the best writing talent from across the country to produce great content. To join this highly regarded company and to be working with Studiocanal, whose iconic catalogue continues to resonate across the globe, is utterly thrilling."

During his career as a location manager then line producer, he spent years connecting creative minds with the realities of real-world filming.  He was involved in launching numerous returning TV series with award-winning credits including "Ashes to Ashes," "Spooks," "Hustle," "The Hour," "Blackpool," "Call the Midwife," and the feature film "Les Misérables."    

"With offices in Manchester and London, my ambition is to build on this amazing legacy of shows and the company’s tradition as a home to outstanding creative talent" Schweitzer said. "The aim is for us to continue making both mainstream entertainment and bolder character driven drama, to celebrate stories that encourage new reflection on the familiar and nurture writing that delivers deeper insights into our human condition.”