BBC Drama Head Departs to Lead 'Skins' Maker Company Pictures

John Yorke, controller, drama production at the BBC, is leaving the British public broadcaster to lead independent producer Company Pictures, whose hit shows have included Skins and Shameless.

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The BBC veteran, who has been at the broadcaster since 1986 interrupted by an 18 months stint at Channel 4 and has overseen such big shows as EastEnders, will take on a managing director role at the firm that is part of All3Media, Britain's largest independent TV producer.

He will take Company Pictures from founders George Faber and Charlie Pattinson, who are leaving to set up another venture at All3Media.

Yorke worked with Company Pictures in 2004 when he served as head of drama at Channel 4.

After his return to the BBC, he worked as head of independent commissioning before being promoted to controller of drama production in 2006.

“His passion and experience in series drama and his work in developing new talent will be an enormous asset to Company Pictures," said All3Media chairman Steve Morrison. 

Said Yorke: “I've been a massive fan of George and Charlie since working with them on the early days of Shameless, and it's been a real joy watching them build Company into a powerhouse of independent production. It's a huge honor to follow them and an incredibly exciting challenge.”

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com

Twitter: @georgszalai