BBC Studios Prepared To Plough Resource Into Scripted Amid Tricky Market As CEO Stresses Group’s “Long-Term Mandate” At Splashy Showcase

deadline.com:

BBC Studios is prepared to plough resource into its scripted and entertainment offerings as CEO Tom Fussell stresses the group’s “long-term mandate” amid global market contraction.

Fussell was joined by his new productions boss Zai Bennett at yesterday’s BBC Studios Showcase and the pair gave Deadline an insight into short, medium and long-term thinking.

For Bennett, who joined from Sky late last year, “maintaining our creative momentum” by investing in scripted and entertainment is the first priority. “In scripted we are looking at whether there are investments we want to make in individuals or whether there are labels that have all the resources they need,” said Bennett. “How can we help them?

They have brilliant relationships and I need to make sure the people running those labels have the environment and resources they need to back that up.” BBC Studios wholly owns the likes of Baby Reindeer producer Clerkenwell Films, Conclave maker House Productions and Gentlemen Jack indie Lookout Point, the latter of which has a “wonderful announcement” incoming, according to Fussell.