BBC WORLDWIDE BUYS INTO CLIFFHANGER

Former Head Of Drama at Thames Television, Paul Marquess has teamed up with BBC Worldwide to launch a new independent production company, Cliffhanger Productions. The new company will focus on returning drama for UK networks and is already in talks with commissioners on several projects.

Marquess will hold a 75% stake in Cliffhanger, with BBC Worldwide holding the remaining share. BBC Worldwide will take responsibility for commercialising Cliffhanger content through its global sales and marketing network as well as its local production bases.

Announcing the new venture, Cliffhanger MD Paul Marquess, said, “BBC Worldwide is the perfect partner – especially the dedicated Indie Unit who will work with us to develop and exploit our television projects and help us push into other areas such as digital and DVD. Our creative team is bursting with ideas – and BBC Worldwide brings a wealth of commercial expertise and phenomenal global presence to the venture.”

BBC Worldwide Director of Independents, Helen Jackson, added, “Working with outstanding production talent like Paul is crucial to our investment strategy. Not only does it give upcoming indies a chance to break though, but it also ensures we secure the best content for our global distribution business. We are really looking forward to working with Paul and his team to generate commercial returns around the world for Cliffhanger.” 

Marquess was the creator of Footballers’ Wives and is credited with reinventing and re-invigorating ITV’s long-runner The Bill.  He also Executive Produced Family Affairs and Murder Investigation Team and was Series Producer on Brooksidefor two years.