See-Saw names Fifth Season exec as joint MD

Slow Horses firm See-Saw Films has appointed Fifth Season’s Ben Irving as joint MD at the Sydney and London-based firm, replacing Helen Gregory.

Irving will work alongside fellow MD Simon Gillis at the Mediawan-owned production company, with a remit to focus primarily on scripted TV.

His appointment at the Sweetpea and Heartstopper producer comes 18 months after KKR-backed Mediawan acquired See-Saw, which said Irving’s addition was part of plans to further expand its UK creative team.

Irving joins having most recently been creative director for international scripted at CJ ENM-backed Fifth Season, where he established the company’s UK development and production division in 2022.

Irving departs with the division starting production on two as-yet unrevealed returnable series for Netflix and MGM+, as well as Prime Video’s adaptation of Stephen King novel Crouch End. Further productions are slated to commence in 2027.

Before Fifth Season, Irving was acting director of drama at the BBC. He joined the broadcaster in 2017 as head of drama development, moving on to become commissioning editor a year later, with credits including His Dark Materials, Sherwood and Industry.

He also held roles at David Heyman’s Heyday Films, working on Gravity, the Paddington franchise and The Secret Garden, after starting his career with Warner Bros. Pictures.

Irving succeeds Gregory, who is departing after a five-year run working alongside Gillis. The duo oversaw numerous shows ranging from Apple TV’s flagship Slow Horses and Netflix duo Apple Cider Vinegar and Heartstopper, as well as the streamer’s upcoming film Grown Ups.

Gregory, who was also a central figure in See-Saw’s acquisition by Mediawan, joined See Saw initially as creative director in 2021 having run her own label, Trapeze Entertainment, and before that was MD of Twelve Town (fka Pinewood Television).

Her next move is not yet known.

See-Saw’s joint founders and chief execs, Emile Sherman and Iain Canning, described Irving as “a highly respected creative and strategic leader, with a deep understanding of the market, longstanding relationships across the creative community both in the UK and abroad, and a wealth of industry experience.”

The duo added: “We are so grateful to Helen for everything she has brought to See-Saw over the past five years. Her creative instincts, unwavering commitment to exceptional storytelling, and ability to attract and champion writers and directors have continued our drive to be the company we are today.

“The strength of our slate, the success of our returning series and the exciting projects to come all owe a great deal to Helen’s talent and dedication, and the exceptional creative team she has built.

“She will be missed by us all and we wish her every success in the next chapter of her career.”

Irving said: “I’ve spent my career admiring See-Saw from afar as it has grown into a powerhouse studio, driven by creative ambition, so when the opportunity arose to join Iain, Emile, Simon and Liz at this exciting phase in the evolution of the company, I couldn’t let it pass me by.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with them, and with Mediawan, to build further on See-Saw’s prestigious reputation for supporting exceptional creators and delivering their bold, inspirational stories to global audiences.

“I’m equally grateful to Graham and everyone at Fifth Season for the opportunity to build a superb team and an exciting slate of projects over the last 4 years. With greenlights from Netflix, Amazon and MGM+ as well as a strong development pipeline, the best is no doubt yet to come and I look forward watching them take it from here.”

Gregory added: “I’ve had such a fun and exciting five years at See-Saw building on the company’s existing achievements. I’m grateful to Iain and Emile for their trust and support, along with Pierre-Antoine Capton, Elisabeth d’Arvieu and their teams at Mediawan who have been a joy to work with.

“Collaborating with [Sydney-based head of TV and film] Liz Watts and her team and forging bonds with the creative community in Australia has been a privilege. I’m so proud of all that they and the UK teams have achieved and will enjoy watching them go from success to success under the guidance of Ben and Simon Gillis, who has been an exceptional partner as fellow MD.”