MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide will take a 25 per cent equity stake in the television production firm Left Bank Pictuers that is being set up by Andy Harries who was with ITV Productions. Harries is the majority stake holder and MD of Left Bank Pictures.

BBC Worldwide’s director of independents Helen Jackson will take a seat on the Left Bank Pictures board. The investment will also give BBC Worldwide a first-look distribution deal on all of Left Bank Pictures’ television productions.

Projects in development include a range of TV films and mini series for broadcasters both in the UK and worldwide and theatrical releases in conjunction with international film partners.

With a creative board made up of key players from across the film and television industries, Left Bank Pictures will exploit its board’s recognised strengths in quality drama, film and comedy while also looking to develop projects in arts and documentary films.

Harries says, “Our emphasis will be firmly on the top end of the market, focussing on intelligent scripts for the international market place,” says Harries, “which what makes BBC Worldwide the perfect fit for Left Bank Pictures.”

“BBC Worldwide is an impressive and influential organisation that provides Left Bank Pictures with the perfect platform to launch a range of projects for both domestic and international markets. Both Wayne Garvie and Helen Jackson share Left Bank Pictures’ sense of creativity and BBC Worldwide has the infrastructure to successfully launch Left Bank Pictures globally.

“I am confident that the creative board of Left Bank Pictures will inspire creativity within the company and envy throughout the industry. I am tremendously excited about the challenges ahead.”

BBC Worldwide director of content and production Wayne Garvie said, “Andy Harries is one of the greatest producers of his generation. BBC Worldwide is proud to be able to support him as he realises his dream and launches his own company. He has assembled a formidable team that I am confident will surpass their own proven track records.”