ITV, Nine Network alum Zubairy resurfaces at writers’ agency Pendragon Works

Former ITV commissioning editor Asif Zubairy has been named non-executive director of Pendragon Works, a new company aimed at developing the written word for film, TV and new media.

Asif Zubairy

London-based Pendragon Works has been set up by former Vulpine Press commissioning editor Troy Hewitt and media rights lawyer Omar Nasar, aiming to “bridge the gap” between the literary world and TV.

Explaining the launch of the company, Hewitt said: “The storytelling sector isn’t nearly as well-connected as it should be. Pendragon Works’ mission is to bridge the gap between the book industry and film and TV by combining our knowledge of what makes a good screen adaptation with our increasing network of industry contacts.”

He added: “We aim to champion exceptional writers, help producers and streamers locate talent and improve access to production for publishers. We’re delighted to be working with Asif whose passion and wealth of experience will undoubtedly be hugely beneficial for us moving forward.”

As well as being commissioning editor for entertainment at ITV, Zubairy was previously head of entertainment at Nine Network in Australia, director of original programming at Walt Disney Branded TV and director of programmes at Paramount Comedy Channel.

Explaining his move to Pendragon, he said: “Everyone knows there’s a huge appetite for scripted content. And Pendragon Works is uniquely positioned to identify great stories due to its extensive background in the worlds of publishing and media.”

He said his “experience in production, commissioning and deal-making” would allow the company to get stories to screen. Since exiting ITV in August 2021, Zubairy has been a consultant in the broadcast and production sector.