Red Planet, TCN prodco backs diversity

UK indie Red Planet Pictures is launching a new production company with diversity-focused TriForce Creative Network (TCN) to promote equal opportunities in the TV industry.

Red Planet’s
Tony Jordan

TriForce Productions will source creative talent from TriForce Creative Network’s roster and development initiatives. The fledgling company will focus on creating mainstream content showcasing new voices and emerging talent.

Red Planet Pictures, the drama producer launched by EastEnders scribe Tony Jordan, best-known for its BBC crime series Death in Paradise, will provide expertise, industry knowledge and networking opportunities as the new venture looks to secure its first commissions.

TriForce Productions will develop for UK and US broadcasters, with Red Planet coproducing selected projects. Talks with key channels about a number of programmes are already underway.

New diversity targets have been set in the UK recently, for talent on and off screen, and TriForce Productions is aiming to help broadcasters meet and surpass them.

The TCN was founded in 2004 by actors Jimmy Akingbola and Fraser Ayres, who have since been joined by Minnie Crowe. It has grown into a network of more than 16,000 creatives and become the go-to team for diverse emerging talent.

TCN co-founder Jimmy
Akingbola

Tony Jordan, Red Planet’s MD, said: “The issue with diversity in the industry is not a lack of talent, just a lack of avenues for that talent to be reached. The TCN is opening up those avenues. We are delighted to provide creative backing to TriForce Productions, to help broadcasters access that talent and engage their audiences with programming that better reflects our contemporary culture.”