UKTV appoints its first drama commissioner

Philippa Collie Cousins becomes UKTV’s first Commissioner of Drama.

“I’m thrilled at the prospect of Philippa joining the scripted team at UKTV to spearhead our move into drama commissioning. She brings with her a wealth of invaluable experience and a reputation for impeccable taste, having been involved in the development and production of some of the UK’s best loved dramas of recent years. This is a busy, dynamic and exciting time at UKTV and I can’t wait to welcome Philippa to the team.” – Pete Thornton, Senior Commissioning Editor for scripted content

It’s Britain’s biggest multichannel broadcaster and as part of their ongoing growing success UKTV has appointed Philippa Collie Cousins as its first dedicated drama commissioner.

Reporting to Pete Thornton, Senior Commissioning Editor for scripted content, Philippa will join UKTV in May and will oversee all upcoming original drama series for UKTV.

This comes at a time when the broadcaster has announced a major push into drama. UKTV is actively seeking to commission four original six-part crime series and thrillers for Alibi and Drama. Last week it also announced Flack, the first drama for W co-commissioned with American network Pop and co-produced by Hat Trick Productions and Anna Paquin’s production company CASM Films.

Philippa’s arrival signals the continued expansion of the UKTV’s commissioning team as the total number of commissioned hours from indies is set to grow by nearly a third in 2018. Pete Thornton reports into Director of Commissioning, Richard Watsham and works alongside Hilary Rosen, deputy director who heads up factual entertainment and Iain Coyle, comedy entertainment. 

 

“I am really looking forward to finding the best original drama for UKTV.   Drama can and will go platinum in the UK because we have brilliant writers and directors working here. We have to be brave to break new ground and new narratives.  My aim is to commission the best talent for UKTV.” – Philippa Collie Cousins