The Stage

Former EastEnders producer launches new drama production company

Published Thursday 6 May 2010 at 15:34 by Matthew Hemley

Former EastEnders executive producer Diederick Santer has teamed up with independent production company Kudos Film and Television to launch a new venture called Lovely Day.

Lovely Day has been set up to create new drama for UK audiences, with a particular focus on returnable series that can attract international partners.

Santer will manage and own the company independently from Kudos, but will have access to Kudos’ creative expertise and production teams and will operate under the Kudos banner.

He said he hoped to make shows for the BBC and other UK broadcasters and added: “I hope Lovely Day will herald a new era of quality British TV drama.”

Jane Featherstone, creative director at Kudos, which makes the shows Ashes to Ashes and Spooks, said Santer had a “great track record in developing and producing top quality mainstream drama”.

“We feel he’s a great fit with Kudos and we’re delighted to be able to support him as he takes the first steps in establishing his new company,” she added.

During his time at EastEnders, Santer was responsible for the creation of the Mitchell sisters and for the return of Ricky and Bianca.

He also devised the online spin-off E20.

Prior to EastEnders, he worked with the BBC’s drama department as producer, where his credits included the 2006 adaptation of Jane Eyre.