Bob & Co, a UK media advisory firm providing guidance, fundraising and investment for creative content owners, announced on June 26 that it is branching out into TV production with the launch of its brand new production company, Duchess Street Productions.
The new production division will specialise in producing high-end original drama and dramatic adaptations, and sees Bob & Co expand on its position as a reputed business advisor for the development of content for film and theatre. Donna Wiffen, former head of Worldwide Drama at FremantleMedia, will act as a consultant for Duchess Street Productions, bringing over 25 years of expertise in drama production to the company having also been Head of Production for Talkback Thames, Endemol and Cliffhanger Productions
Bob Benton, Founder, Bob & Co, said: “The launch of Duchess Street Productions heralds an exciting new direction for the company that reflects our commitment to developing quality creative content with real commercial bite. We are delighted to have Donna Wiffen on board to head-up Duchess Street Productions, initially as a consultant. Her expertise in the TV drama genre, combined with Bob & Co’s experience in developing strong creative content & IP with commercial value, will be instrumental in expanding the company’s catalogue and bringing high-quality dramas to the screen.”
Duchess Street Productions’ first project will be a drama adaptation of Jeffrey Archer’s best-selling series of historical novels, The Clifton Chronicles, to which Duchess Street Productions have acquired the rights. Donna will spearhead the project and consult on development and pre-production.
Donna Wiffen, Consultant, Duchess Street Productions, said: “I am thrilled to be working with Duchess Street Productions at its genesis. The Clifton Chronicles is an epic saga that lends itself perfectly to adaptation as a quality prime-time drama with commercial viability and international appeal. Bob & Co is well-established in its work advising, developing and facilitating successful TV, film and theatre productions, and the addition of Duchess Street Productions will create a real synergy with Bob & Co’s film and theatre projects.”
The launch of Duchess Street Productions follows the recent appointment of former Bafta chairman, Tim Corrie, as non-executive chairman of Bob & Co, and heralds an exciting new direction for the company.
The forthcoming production of The Clifton Chronicles will build on Bob & Co’s reputation for driving creative and commercial success through business support, advice and funding. Its growing portfolio of projects spans a range of formats, including drama That Day We Sang with Endor Productions for BBC2, Tony award-winning theatre musical, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, the Sundance award-winning film Lilting, original theatre production Hetty Feather, successful children’s TV series Q-Pootle 5 for CBeebies, and the Olivier Award-winning theatre production of The Wind in the Willows.
