Dare Pictures taps Honey Bee’s Dee Hendry as MD and makes promotions

L-R: Dee Hendry, Michelle Morgan and Fatima Shafiq

Asylum Entertainment-backed UK factual production company Dare Pictures has hired Dee Hendry from rival Honey Bee Media as manging director and promoted members of its executive team.

Dare, launched in 2022 by CEO Derren Lawford, received strategic investment from Asylum last month.

On the heels of that it has appointed seasoned TV executive Dee Hendry to the newly created position of MD, effective immediately.

Hendry will work with Lawford and exec chair Michelle Morgan to further drive operational strategies relating to production, finance, personnel and business affairs. She will manage business development, sales strategy and IP development.

After over 22 years in TV production, she joins Dare from UK indie Honey Bee Media, where she was co-founder and chief operating officer. Credits include Shipwreck Treasure Hunter with Ross Kemp (Sky History), Adele’s 30 Greatest Moments (Channel 5) and Frontmen (Reelz US).

Prior to this, Hendry was head of productions and operations at David Olusaga’s indie Uplands, where she oversaw shows such as The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files (BBC Two) and The Unremembered: Britain’s Forgotten Heroes (Channel 4). She has also held senior production roles at Viacom, ITV, the BBC and Fremantle.

Meanwhile, Morgan has expanded her role from chair to executive chair, taking a more active role in the company’s business strategy and development, as well as chairing the board. She will also maximise connections and IP opportunities, and identify strategic partnerships aligned with the values of the business.

Fatima Shafiq, who joined last year as head of development, has been promoted to creative director.

Her expanded role will make her responsible for overseeing development of cross-platform documentaries and factual series, as well as scripted, podcast, digital and talent partnerships.

Over the last year, the former journalist has secured a trio of commissions across current affairs, digital and an upcoming documentary series. As well as serving as an exec producer on projects including The Secrets of UK Prisons for Channel 4, she has secured a series of paid developments from broadcasters and SVoDs.

Lawford said: “We’re lucky to have someone of Dee’s considerable expertise and acumen to help lay the foundations and create a robust infrastructure for us to execute and deliver on Dare’s mission.

“Key to our creative success to date has been Fatima, whose promotion is a true reflection of the entrepreneurialism she has for finding unique and bold stories from around the world. As we enter a new phase of growth, it’s also a huge plus for us to have someone of Michelle’s calibre and track record for creating purposeful and profitable opportunities taking a more active role in the business.”