ITVSGE finds Little Gem

ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVSGE) has signed a development and distribution deal with fledgling UK independent production outfit Little Gem, which launched this week.

Natasha Bondy and Ben Gale

Under the agreement, ITVSGE will work with the London-based prodco to develop formats and finished factual and factual entertainment programming for the international market.

Ben Gale, former director of programmes at the UK’s Maverick TV, and Princess Productions’ ex-head of factual entertainment Natasha Bondy launched Little Gem this week

Both execs have worked in key commissioning and production roles at the BBC and have held senior posts in the indie sector including working together at Maverick Television.

Gale, who left Maverick in February, has previously worked as executive producer on the first season of the BBC’s The Choir and series editor on the first run of Who Do You Think You Are?.

At Shine-owned Princess, Bondy developed shows including Ashley Banjo’s Secret Street Crew for Sky1 and Britain’s Best Bakery for ITV.