Mensah becomes head of BBC Scotland drama

Published Tuesday 24 January 2006 at 12:55 by Liz Thomas

Sweeney Todd and Bodies executive producer Anne Mensah has been promoted to replace Barbara McKissack as head of BBC Scotland’s drama department.

Mensah will take over the post at the end of February and will work with both in-house and independent producers to develop projects for local and network audiences. Since joining the Corporation in 2001 she has worked as head of development for the independent drama department in London and more recently as an executive producer in Manchester.

Her move to Scotland comes at an important time for production in the nations and regions, with the major broadcasters and more indies investing and working outside of London. The BBC has already pledged to ensure that 50% of its drama budget will be spent outside of the capital and to increase the amount of programmes made in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by 2012.

Jane Tranter, BBC drama controller, said: “Building on the success of Barbara’s impressive legacy, the range of Anne’s experience, her expertise and talent will be a real asset to drama from BBC Scotland and her appointment is further evidence of the BBC’s commitment to exciting new drama from the nations and regions.”

Under the control of Julie Gardner, BBC Wales’ drama department has enjoyed a boom period, producing popular series such as Doctor Who and Rocket Man. Meanwhile, BBC Northern Ireland recently unveiled a number of new comedy commissions and Scotland is aiming to increase its production output - especially in drama.

McKissack, who is leaving after seven years leading BBC Scotland’s drama department, was instrumental in launching the Scottish soap River City and has been executive producer on high-profile series such as Monarch of the Glen. She is now working with the Corporation on developing a range of feature film projects.