Hirst builds Green Pavilion, links with MGM

The creator of historical drama Vikings and his two production partners have set up a new indie and secured a first-look deal with the TV arm of MGM.

Michael Hirst

UK-based Green Pavilion Entertainment has been launched by Michael Hirst alongside Morgan O’Sullivan and James Flynn to produce high-end dramas for international and domestic markets.

Under the multi-year deal with MGM Television, Green Pavilion will develop a television series inspired by the 1998 spy thriller Ronin, which starred Robert De Niro and Jean Reno.

Previously, Hirst, O’Sullivan and Flynn collaborated with MGM Television on Vikings, which History commissioned for a sixth season in September.

Sharon Remmer has been named creative director of Green Pavilion, having most recently been in charge of development and production at Frank Spotnitz’s Big Light Productions as head of drama. Her recent credits include The Man in the High Castle and Medici: Masters of Florence, which she executive-produced.

Hirst began his career as a film writer and changed course in 2006, when he was the writer, exec producer and showrunner of The Tudors for Showtime. He began working with O’Sullivan and Flynn on Vikings in 2013.

“Everyone involved in this new venture has experience developing and making dramas which appeal to international audiences. Having MGM Television as an ally in this venture will help us to build on our strengths and draw the best writers, directors and creative talent in the industry to our projects,” said Hirst.