Hart Ryan has poached two senior BBC programme-makers from documentaries and history and BBC science to expand the indie's factual production slate, writes David Wood.
Joining this summer will be Children's Hospital editor Alison Rooper, a former deputy editor of Tomorrow's World and The Money Programme.

Rooper is being hired to executive produce a number of projects and expand output in areas such as science, education and multi-cultural programming.

Hart Ryan has also signed up Sue Bourne, a producer and director from BBC science's business and adventure unit. Bourne oversaw BBC 2 business-in-crisis strand Trouble at the Top before she joined the indie as a freelance this week.

Bourne is currently developing a series with Channel 4, which she will produce through Hart Ryan to add to the independent's current slate of C4 commissions, including two 4 x 60-minute documentary series.

Hart Ryan founder David Hart said: 'Sue will reinforce our main area of activity - documentaries - whereas Alison will broaden our sphere of activity.' He added that the indie is also planning a move into drama.