Prodcos Dare Pictures, Tondowski Films strike partnership for premium docs

Alex Tondowski and Derren Lawford

London-based prodco Dare Pictures, founded by ex-Woodcut creative chief Derren Lawford this time last year, and Berlin-based Tondowski Films are partnering to produce premium documentaries for the international market.

Dare Pictures and Tondowski Films initially joined forces last year to coproduce three-part docuseries Crypto Queen with Channel 4, Sky Deutschland and Fremantle.

Fatima Shafiq

Off the back of that collaboration they have decided to co-develop and coproduce an original slate of “impactful and international limited docuseries characterised by exclusive access, unique IP and top tier talent,” they said.

They are already in discussions with broadcasters, film funds and private equity about several projects.

Lawford and Tondowski Films’ founder Alex Tondowski have hired Fatima Shafiq as head of development, international, to work across and build on the new slate of projects.

With more than 15 years of experience in devising factual formats, returning series and doc specials, Shafiq previously headed the development team at ITN Productions which saw over 800 hours produced across the year.

Over her career, Shafiq has secured commissions for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Paramount+ and A+E Networks, among others.

Both Dare Pictures and Tondowski Films will continue to work on their own separate productions independently and outside of this new partnership arrangement.