BBC Vision appoints Gardner as head of drama commissioning

Published Thursday 21 September 2006 at 12:30 by Liz Thomas

Julie Gardner has been appointed head of drama commissioning as part of the overhaul of the commisioning structure following the creation of BBC Vision.

Gardner, who will continue in her current role as head of drama for BBC Wales and to executive produce shows such as Doctor Who, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures with Russell T Davies, also has additional responsibility for implementing a cohesive independent drama strategy across the UK. She reports to controller of fiction Jane Tranter.

In order to enhance London-based independent drama commissioning, Sarah Brandist and Polly Hill are appointed as commissioning editors, independent drama, across all BBC television channels. They will oversee the development of the slate and have been charged with building up teen drama and drama for the BBC3 audience, exploiting opportunities such as Spooks games available online or on mobiles, as part of the move into ‘360 degree commissioning’.

Ben Stephenson has been made head of development, drama commissioning, reporting to Tranter and Gardner.

Tranter said: “The creation of a new independent drama board is evidence of BBC Vision’s commitment to London-based independent drama commissioning as well as independent drama across the whole of the UK. Julie is a creative powerhouse with an awesome track record for producing some of the most talked about drama of recent years. John Yorke and Lucy Richer have done an impressive job in growing London independent drama and Sarah and Polly will play a crucial part in the future of BBC independent drama commissioning in these important new roles.”

This completes senior changes to the BBC Drama structure and complements the revitalised in-house drama department with senior team members John Yorke, Nicolas Brown, Kate Harwood, Sally Woodward Gentle and Diederick Santer.