UKTV appoints first drama commissioner

UK-based multichannel broadcaster UKTV has hired the former development chief at Hartswood West to be its first original drama commissioner as it continues to ramp up its scripted output.

Philippa Collie Cousins

Freelance exec producer Philippa Collie Cousins, who previously headed up drama and comedy development at UK indie Hartswood, will oversee all forthcoming original drama series as UKTV looks to lift indie commissions by almost a third this year.

“Drama can and will go platinum in the UK because we have brilliant writers and directors working here,” said Collie Cousins. “We have to be brave to break new ground and new narratives. My aim is to commission the best talent for UKTV.”

Arriving at UKTV in May, she will report to Pete Thornton, senior commissioning editor for scripted content. Thornton reports to director of commissioning Richard Watsham and works alongside Hilary Rosen, the deputy director who heads up factual entertainment, and Iain Coyle, senior commissioner for comedy entertainment.

Previously head of development at Fresh Pictures, Collie Cousins made Bugsplat with writer/director Guy Jenkin and starring Hugh Skinner. She also worked on Warsaw Spies with David Tennant at the BBC. Her CV also includes a stint as head of production on drama Robin Hood with Tiger Aspect, mid-week high-end drama Spooks with Kudos and Small Island with Alison Owen.

Her film The Deadness of Dad stars Rhys Ifans and she won best European director for her film Happy Now, starring Jonny Rhys Myer and Paddy Considine.

Last week, UKTV announced Flack, the first drama for its W channel co-commissioned with American network Pop and coproduced by Hat Trick Productions and Anna Paquin’s production company CASM Films. UKTV is seeking to commission four original six-part crime series and thrillers for its Alibi and Drama channels.

“Philippa brings with her a wealth of invaluable experience and a reputation for impeccable taste, having been involved in the development and production of some of the UK’s best loved dramas of recent years,” added Thornton of the appointment.