Red Planet Pictures Launches Non-Scripted Division

Red Planet Pictures has unveiled it is launching a non-scripted division and has appointed Simon Raikes at the helm.

Red Planet Pictures' new factual division will develop a range of non-scripted programming, initially concentrating in factual and factual entertainment formats.

Simon Raikes will be charged with developing new ideas and growing the company within the non-scripted genre both in the UK and internationally when he takes up his new post in the summer.

Announcing the new strategy, Tony Jordan, award-winning writer and MD of Red Planet Pictures, said: "Red Planet Pictures has become synonymous with producing ratings-winning, ambitious and bold drama content but I don't want to restrict us to one genre. We are in the business of stories – whether they are fictional or factual – it is about creating an engaging narrative.

"I am delighted that Simon will be taking charge of the new division. He has a track record in producing and commissioning hit factual programming and has the expertise to grow our new business. We look forward to welcoming him to the Red Planet team."

Simon Raikes said: "I've had a wonderful time at Channel Five, and it'll be a huge wrench to leave. But this is an unmissable opportunity, and I'm thrilled to be joining Red Planet Pictures and working with Tony to develop fresh new factual programming for audiences around the world."

Simon joins Red Planet Pictures from Channel 5 where he was Commissioning Editor, Factual since 2012. Responsible for commissioning some of the channel's biggest ratings and critical hits, Simon has overseen a wide range of documentary and factual programming including 10,000 BC, Miracle Babies, Can't Pay? We'll Take It Away and Inside Broadmoor.

Simon previously worked as Creative Director of Wildfire TV where he developed factual and specialist factual series for broadcasters around the world, and has worked as Series Editor on factual series Time Team.

Red Planet Pictures was founded by award-winning writer Tony Jordan in 2005 and has gone on to produce popular drama content including four series of Death in Paradise for BBC One, with a fifth currently in production; WWI drama The Passing Bells, as well as the recent retelling of Noah's Ark, BBC One's The Ark. Red Planet is also currently in production on the new drama Dickensian, a studio drama that will bring together iconic characters from Charles Dickens' most famous works, for the BBC.

Image: From WWI drama, The Passing Bells.

www.redplanetpictures.co.uk

(JP)