Departing ITV 'Downton Abbey' Executives Get Backing From U.K.'s Boom Pictures

LONDON - British independent TV production firm Boom Pictures has agreed to back the new indie drama banner announced by departing ITV drama experts Laura Mackie and Sally Haynes, who have been responsible for hit shows like Downton Abbey.

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Mackie, currently ITV director of drama, and Haynes, ITs controller of drama, announced their midyear departure and their new venture earlier this month.

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On Wednesday, they unveiled the name of their new indie production firm -- MainStreet Pictures -- and the Boom Pictures backing. The deal reunites Mackie and Haynes with Lorraine Heggessey, executive chair of Boom Pictures. They worked together at the BBC.
 
The partners didn't detail any financial aspects of their agreement, but they said MainStreet will work from Boom's London office.

Said Heggessey: “Boom Pictures is all about backing the best creative talent, so we’re thrilled to be supporting Laura and Sally as they embark on this new venture. They have an unparalleled reputation for commissioning and producing high-quality returning series that have enjoyed huge success both in the U.K. and abroad, including the U.S."

She added: "Their relationships with top writers, production talent and actors are second to none, and I can’t wait to start working with them again as they grow MainStreet.”

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Said Haynes, who will carry the title of managing director at MainStreet: “Laura and I are delighted to be starting our own company with the backing of Lorraine and Boom Pictures, who support and share our vision of creating a strong and varied slate of drama titles.”
 
Added managing director Mackie: “After seven years as commissioners, Sally and I are looking forward to going back to our production roots and working with brilliant talent both on- and offscreen.”
 
The deal with MainStreet follows Boom's backing of Graham Linehan’s Delightful Industries label last year.

Said Huw Eurig Davies, CEO of Boom: “A key part of our strategy is to back startups, giving them the backup they need to build a strong portfolio of programs. We’ve got off to a great start with some of the best talent in the business."
 
Cardiff–based Boom launched in July.

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com

Twitter: @georgszalai