ITVS taps Banijay exec to launch Australian drama label

ITV Studios has linked up with Endemol Shine Australia’s scripted chief Sara Richardson to launch a new drama label.

The as-yet unnamed company will aim to create local dramas for global audiences, and will collaborate on development and production with ITVS’s fellow Australian label Lingo Pictures.

Richardson will be managing director of the new firm and reports into ITV Studios Australia chief exec, David Mott.

He in turn reports into Lisa Perrin, managing director of International Production for ITVS.

Richardson joins ITVS having most recently been director of scripted TV at Banijay-owned Endemol Shine Australia since 2020. During that spell she established and oversaw the first international iteration of NCIS, NCIS: Sydney, for Paramount+ Australia.

Before that she was Channel 10’s network drama exec, working on shows including Lingo’s The Secret She Keeps.

Richardson said: “Setting up a label within ITV Studios is an extraordinary opportunity and doing that in partnership with Lingo Pictures, one of Australia’s most trusted producers of premium drama, creates a foundation with real power behind it.

“What excites me most is the force we’re forming: a place where bold ideas can be developed with confidence, care and real ambition. That alignment gives us the momentum to champion work that feels distinctive and built to travel.

Mott added: “I’m so pleased to welcome Sara, her track record in developing and producing compelling scripted content for the Australian market, as well as her client and talent relationships are second to none. She is going to be such a huge asset to ITV Studios Australia and Lingo Pictures.”

Helen Bowden and Jason Stephens, founders of Lingo Pictures, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Sara during such an exciting time for our industry. Between running a top-tier scripted slate and helming hit series like RFDS and NCIS: Sydney, her track record speaks for itself. This partnership lets us join forces to bring bold Australian storytelling to the world.”