Former BBC Radio 2 Controller Lesley Douglas’s indie Lonesome Pine and BBC Worldwide have announced a joint development partnership that will see the corporation’s commercial arm provide investment and global market support in return for exclusive distribution rights across the company’s content output.
Douglas founded Lonesome Pine in 2013 with script writer Aschlin Ditta, whose credits include The Catherine Tate Show, No Angels and the new Sky Atlantic comedy series Mr Sloane. Based in central London, Lonesome Pine will work to develop music, comedy and drama series.
BBC Worldwide exists to support the BBC public service mission and to maximise profits on its behalf. It does this through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world.
“I can’t think of anyone who has better relationships with great UK talent than Lesley,” said Helen Jackson, BBC Worldwide’s chief content officer. “We’re hugely excited to be collaborating with her and the team at Lonesome Pine and have high hopes for what we can achieve together.”
Lesley Douglas, Lonesome Pine’s director, added: “As a new company this is a brilliant opportunity for Lonesome Pine. Already in the early weeks of our collaboration the possibilities feel exciting. We are delighted to be working with such an impressive and supportive team at BBC Worldwide under Helen and Tim.”
