New indie strikes deal with Fremantle

Global producer-distributor Fremantle has penned a development deal with new London-based drama indie Three Tables Productions to adapt the thriller novel The Robber Baron’s Daughter.

David Chikwe

The Robber Baron’s Daughter, originally written by Jamila Gavin, revolves around a wealthy girl who goes against her father’s wishes and investigates the disappearance of her tutor and soon finds herself at the heart of the underground criminal world.

The TV adaptation will be written by Beatrix Christian (Picnic at Hanging Rock), with Fremantle’s Christian Vesper serving as executive producer.

Three Tables fledgling slate also includes an adaptation of British forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd’s best-selling memoir Unnatural Causes. The crime-drama series will be written by Simon Block.

Himesh Kar

The company was founded last year by execs David Chikwe, Himesh Kar and JT Wong, who are joined by development assistant Holly Boyden. The UK prodco aims to explore new funding models and work with established and emerging talent.

Chikwe was formerly head of development at Leopard Pictures, where he co-created and produced the BAFTA-nominated Eve, and BBC1’s Missing. He also set up the Leopard sub-label Blacklisted Films.

Prior to Three Tables, Kar was a senior executive at the UK Film Council, responsible for selecting and overseeing the development, production and financing of over 20 films, including Man On Wire, Walk With Me and A Way of Life.

JT Wong

Wong previously co-founded the prodco Mystical Productions which was responsible for the BBC’s The Mysti Show. Prior to that he served as a principal at MCM Capital, a family investment firm.

The indie prodco also has David Green as its chairman. Los Angeles-based Green previously founded September Films and was CEO and chairman of DCD Media.

Vesper, executive VP and creative director of global drama at Fremantle, said: “Co-developing The Robber Baron’s Daughter alongside the newly formed Three Tables Productions is immensely exciting, as their talent, ambition and creativity make them the perfect partner for Fremantle.”

Green added: “Three Tables is an exciting company because it brings together such a modern and focused group of individuals who forge their skills with those of the best available talent and material.

Three Tables has the ability to produce excellent work in new ways while adhering to classic standards.”