Christine Gernon, Emma Strain officially unveil Small Prophets prodco Blue House

Christine Gernon (left) and Emma Strain

Gavin & Stacey director Christine Gernon and former BBC Studios executive Emma Strain have announced the official launch of Manchester, UK-based comedy prodco Blue House Productions (BHP) and appointed Shaunna O’Brien as development producer.

The indie has already completed one project for a major broadcaster, having coproduced BBC comedy series Small Prophets alongside actor Mackenzie Crook’s Treasure Trove Productions.

Created written and directed by Crook (The Office), the six-part series follows a man who sets out to create magical spirits that can help him reunite with his missing partner Clea.

Last month Apple TV picked up the worldwide streaming rights to the series.

BHP will now develop a slate of comedy-skewing scripted content “rooted in the collaborative spirit, talent, community and culture of Manchester.”

O’Brien joins from Sister Pictures (Black Doves), bringing a track record of identifying original comedy projects and strong connections to the creative community in the North of England.

Blue House coproduced BBC comedy Small Prophets

Gernon has worked as a director on numerous hit comedy series, including Gavin & Stacey, Miranda and Absolutely Fabulous. She has also worked in the US on New Girl, Ghosts and The Goldbergs.

Strain, meanwhile, is an experienced executive producer whose CV includes credits on Miranda and This Country. She also served as VP of BBC Studios LA.

Garnon and Strain said in a statement: “We are serious about making great comedy with brilliant people and built Blue House Productions to be a home for those exceptional people to come and do their best work, knowing they’ll be properly backed. And if that sounds like somewhere you want to make something, come and find us. We’re just getting started.”