Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.
Banijay is the world's largest independent content creation Group for television and multimedia platforms. Banijay is present in 16 territories.

Tag Archive: The Forge

  1. The Forge reshapes leadership team

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    Leading UK scripted producer The Forge (part of Banijay UK), the highly respected business behind multi award winning shows including Help, National Treasure, Ackley Bridge, Shardlake and The Buccaneers has reorganised its senior team going into 2026.

    Founder and Managing Director of 10 years, George Faber, takes up the newly created role of Executive Chairman, continuing to executive produce both new and existing projects and advising on the creative and commercial strategy of the business.

    Executive Producers Beth Willis and George Ormond step up to become Co-Managing Directors, responsible for running the business, setting its strategic direction and driving an ambitious programming slate working with leading and upcoming writers.

    The Forge has an impressive order book  of upcoming shows which includes A Woman or Substance starring Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds for Channel 4, Jack Thorne’s new six part series Falling starring Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu  for Channel 4, The Buccaneers with Christina Hendricks and Kristine Froseth for Apple TV +, currently in production for a third season, plus a new returning series and a limited series for a major broadcaster yet to be announced.

    The business also has a stellar catalogue of multi award winning titles built over the past 10 years including Jack Thorne’s National Treasure, Help and Kiri for Channel 4, Anya Reiss’s Becoming Elizabeth for Starz, Stephen Butchard’s Shardlake for Disney +, Ayub Khan Din’s Ackley Bridge for C4, Peter Moffat’s The Last Post and David Hare’s Collateral and Roadkill, for the BBC.

    In addition, Producers Jade Taylor and Joe Innes have been promoted to Executive Producer roles. They join Executive Producer and Head of Business Affairs at The Forge Mark Pybus. Jade was previously Producer on Ackley Bridge Series 5 for Channel 4 and most recently on Just Act Normal for BBC3. Joe has worked on The Buccaneers for Apple TV+ since its inception, Series Producing the second series and Exec Producing alongside Beth and Katherine Jakeways on the third.

    Banijay UK CEO Patrick Holland said; “We’ve loved working with The Forge over the past few years since they joined Banijay UK. George Faber is a major figure in the world of scripted television, someone who has not only been responsible for a stream of fantastic shows but also helped to shape and grow the UK drama industry, most recently through the genesis of this terrific production company. In Beth Willis and George Ormond, The Forge has two formidable creative leaders to take the reins with George Faber still very much in the business as executive producer, sage and consultant. I can’t wait to see the next chapter of the development of this brilliant team under this new leadership structure.’

    George Faber said; “It’s been a privilege to lead The Forge from its inception for its first decade. I’m immensely proud of the quality and diversity of our dramas and of the extraordinary talent we’ve had the honour to work with. I know the company will continue to flourish under the new leadership of George and Beth and I’m delighted to be continuing my close association with the team.”

    Beth Willis added; “George Faber put something very special in The Forge’s DNA – an infectious creativity and passion for great storytelling flows through it and all the talented people who work there. It’s a privilege to work alongside the brilliant George Ormond and Mark Pybus – and with Joe Innes and Jade Taylor stepping up to executive produce, I couldn’t be more excited about the future.”

    George Ormond added; “From our beginnings in single room office with Patisserie Valerie as our meeting room to where we are now, working with George, Mark and Beth to build The Forge over the last decade has been a thrilling experience made hugely enjoyable by our shared creative ambition.  We are just as ambitious for the next decade and I’m looking forward to it being just as much fun as the last.”

    George Faber set up The Forge in 2014 following 15years at Company Pictures which he co founded with Charlie Pattinson in 1998 and where he was responsible for shows including Shameless, Skins, Wild at Heart and Inspector George Gently. Before that George was Head of Single Drama at the BBC.

    Under George’s leadership The Forge has quickly grown to become a preeminent drama producer in the UK, synonymous with high quality, ambitious and award-winning TV drama. The Forge is home to the industry’s brightest names, showcasing the very best on-screen talent and collaborating with leading writers including Jack Thorne, Anya Reiss, Stefan Golaszewski, Katherine Jakeways, Ayub Khan Din, Ben Wheatley, David Hare, Peter Moffat, Levi David Addai, Janice Okoh and Stephen Butchard and many more.

  2. KEELEY HAWES AND PAAPA ESSIEDU TO LEAD NEW DRAMA ‘FALLING’ WRITTEN BY JACK THORNE

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    Filming has commenced in Wales and Bristol on major new Channel 4 drama, Falling, produced by The Forge Entertainment, a Banijay UK company (National Treasure, The Buccaneers, Marriage). Keeley Hawes (Scoop, Miss Austen) will star as Anna, a devoted nun, and Paapa Essiedu (Black Mirror, The Lazarus Project) as David, a Catholic priest, in BAFTA award-winning writer Jack Thorne’s (Adolescence, Help) first ever love story.

    Both are deeply committed to their work in the church and in their community. Neither are expected to fall in love. But when they do, both are forced to wrestle with what it means for them, their vows, and their relationship with God. Falling is a witty, moving, contemporary romantic drama that is as honest as it is full of heart. 

    Also joining the cast of Falling are Rakie Ayola (The Pact, Kaos), Jason Watkins (Coma, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies), Niamh Cusack (The Virtues, Heartbeat), Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey, The Chelsea Detective), David Dawson (My Policeman, The Last Kingdom), Susan Brown (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, It’s A Sin), Sandra Voe (Howards End, Vera Drake) and introducing TV newcomers, Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair. 

    Keeley Hawes says: “I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of Anna and so looking forward to working alongside the brilliant Paapa Essiedu to bring Jack Thorne’s beautiful scripts to life.” 

    Paapa Essiedu says: “Falling is a story that has Jack Thorne’s singular talent of mining the sublime out of the ordinary running all the way through. I can’t wait to work with Keeley, Peter and the rest of the team to bring this world to life.” 

    Jack Thorne says: “I never thought I’d write a love story, but I am very excited to be making one with the brilliant Peter Hoar. We feel so lucky we have persuaded the mighty (and lovely) Keeley Hawes, the brilliant (and also lovely) Paapa Essiedu and the most amazing company of (lovely) actors to come make this with us, The Forge and Channel 4.” 

    Gwawr Lloyd, Commissioning Editor, Drama adds: “The combination of Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu, alongside Jack Thorne’s incredible scripts and Peter Hoar’s direction means this will be the most extraordinary show. We are so excited to bring this unique and compelling love story to Channel 4.” 

    A 6×60’ drama from The Forge, Falling is executive produced by George Ormond, George Faber and Jack Thorne. Joe Donaldson (Cobra, Ripper Street, Peaky Blinders) is the producer and Peter Hoar (It’s A Sin, The Last of Us, Umbrella Academy) will direct. Falling has been commissioned for Channel 4 by Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama and Gwawr Lloyd, Commissioning Editor, Drama. 

    Falling will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

  3. Apple TV+ announces season two renewal for acclaimed drama “The Buccaneers,” Inspired by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton’s final novel

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    On the heels of the celebrated season one finale, Apple TV+ today announced a season two renewal for “The Buccaneers,” the acclaimed drama from The Forge inspired by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel of the same name. The series stars Kristine Frøseth (“The Assistant,” “Sharp Stick”) as Nan St. George, Alisha Boe (“When You Finish Saving The World,” “13 Reasons Why”) as Conchita Closson, Josie Totah (“Saved by the Bell”) as Mabel Elmsworth, Aubri Ibrag (“Dive Club”) as Lizzy Elmsworth and Imogen Waterhouse (“The Outpost,” “Nocturnal Animals”) as Jinny St. George. Emmy Award winner Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men”) is Mrs. St. George, with Mia Threapleton (“Shadows,” “I Am Ruth”) as Honoria Marable. The complete first season of “The Buccaneers” is now streaming on Apple TV+.

    Since its global premiere on November 8, “The Buccaneers” has been hailed as a “lavish period drama that feels fresh and modern, with a fast-paced, twisting narrative” that is a “decadent and delicious” “shot of adrenaline” and “a ton of fun to watch.” As each new episode of “The Buccaneers” debuted week-to-week on Apple TV+, the series received continuous praise from critics and fans around the world.

    “It’s been a complete thrill to watch people all over the world fall in love with these characters, who’ve been brought to such vibrant life by our spectacular cast,” said series creator Katherine Jakeways. “We know season one left audiences desperate to know what’s next for our buccaneers, so I’m absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to explore the further adventures of this smart, joyful, messy sisterhood.”

    “The irreverence and wit of ‘The Buccaneers’ charmed global audiences and we’re excited to be working with Katherine Jakeways and The Forge again on the next adventure for Nan and her friends,” said Jay Hunt, creative director, Europe, Apple TV+.

    Girls with money, men with power. New money, old secrets. A group of fun-loving young American girls explode into the tightly corseted London season of the 1870s, kicking off an Anglo-American culture clash as the land of the stiff upper lip is infiltrated by a refreshing disregard for centuries of tradition. Sent to secure husbands and titles, the buccaneers’ hearts are set on much more than that, and saying “I do” is just the beginning…

    The ensemble cast also includes Josh Dylan (“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” “Noughts + Crosses”) as Lord Richard Marable, Guy Remmers (“Lessons”) as Theo, Duke of Tintagel, Matthew Broome (“Scandaltown”) as Guy Thwarte and Barney Fishwick (“Living”) as Lord James Seadown.

    The music-driven series blends 1870s English aristocracy with a modern soundtrack produced by Stella Mozgawa (of the band Warpaint) and packed with songs from today’s top female performers that include Taylor Swift, Maggie Rogers, Bikini Kill, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Angel Olsen, Brandi Carlile and more, along with original music from Folick, Lucius, Alison Mosshart, Warpaint, Gracie Abrams, Sharon Van Etten, Bully, Danielle Ponder and more, as well as series composers AVAWAVES.

    Written by series creator Katherine Jakeways (“Tracey Ullman’s Show,” “Where This Service Will Terminate”), season one was directed by BAFTA Award winner Susanna White (“Bleak House,” “Jane Eyre,” “Generation Kill”). BAFTA Award nominee Beth Willis (“Doctor Who,” “Ashes to Ashes,” “Help”) and Jakeways serve as executive producers. “The Buccaneers” is produced for Apple TV+ by The Forge Entertainment.

  4. Banijay UK acquires leading scripted producer The Forge

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    Banijay UK today announced its acquisition of leading scripted independent producer, The Forge.

    The Marriage, Help and Becoming Elizabeth producer, which has a well-established reputation for high quality, ambitious and award-winning TV drama, joins the Banijay UK stable of companies with immediate effect following completion of the acquisition deal.

    The Forge currently has multiple, high profile new titles for both linear and SVOD platforms in production, including a major, 8 part series The Buccaneers for Apple TV+, due to launch globally on November 8; 4 part Disney + series Shardlake by Stephen Butchard (The Last Kingdom) due to release next year; factual drama about the Grenfell disaster by Peter Kosminsky (Undeclared War, Government Inspector, Wolf Hall) for BBC One;  youth-skewing drama series for BBC Three that will film next year and Generation Z, a six part series and the first original TV project from Ben Wheatley (The Meg II, Sightseers, Kill List) currently shooting for Channel 4.

    This acquisition will bolster Banijay UK’s scripted output and bring the number of scripted labels under the Banijay UK umbrella to nine including wholly owned labels Kudos, Tiger Aspect and Wild Mercury.

    Patrick Holland, CEO Banijay UK said of the deal; “I have been a massive admirer of The Forge since its inception. George Faber, Mark Pybus, Beth Willis and George Ormond have together grown one of the most ambitious and exciting drama slates in the UK. With a commitment to the most distinctive authorship, a desire to make shows of the highest quality and a creative commitment to make drama that appeals to broad audiences. The Forge is an extraordinary group of talented producers. We are so delighted that they have chosen Banijay UK as their partners for their next chapter of growth and can’t wait for them to join the other brilliant companies in the group.”

    George Faber, Founder of The Forge added; “We’re thrilled to be going into partnership with Banijay, a company whose culture and values feel like a great fit for The Forge. We’re ambitious for the next stage of our growth and we believe that Banijay’s superb distribution arm, production expertise, management team and global reach will help us chart an exciting path to the future.”

    The Forge boasts an impressive slate of titles including National Treasure (C4), Ackley Bridge (C4), The Miniaturist (BBC), Kiri (C4), Help (C4), Marriage (BBC), Becoming Elizabeth (Starz), Collateral (BBC), Rules of the Game (BBC), Roadkill (BBC) and many more.

    They have collaborated with writers Jack Thorne, Anya Reiss, Stefan Golaszewski, Katherine Jakeways, Ayub Khan Din, Ben Wheatley, David Hare, Peter Moffat, Levi David Addai, Janice Okoh and Stephen Butchard amongst many others.

    The Forge also has a reputation for showcasing some of the industry’s leading talent and has worked with Jodie Comer, Stephen Graham, Sarah Lancashire, Sean Bean, Nicola Walker, Carey Mulligan, Hugh Laurie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Babou Ceesay, Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters. Upcoming series, The Buccaneers stars a number of widely popular actors including Kristine Frøseth, Alisha Boe, Josie Totah, Aubri Ibrag and Imogen Waterhouse, alongside Christina Hendricks and Mia Threapleton.

    The company has picked up a wealth of awards for its programmes, including the BAFTA for Mini-Series (National Treasure) and the International Emmy for Best TV Movie (Help).

    This deal includes a first look deal for Banijay Rights.

    The Forge’s senior creative team include Founder and Managing Director, George Faber, Mark Pybus (Executive Producer/ Head of Business Affairs), Beth Willis (Executive Producer) and George Ormond (Executive Producer). Their collective experience and stellar track record make them trusted partners for top writers, directors, agents, and broadcasters alike.

    Faber, having run single drama at BBC for several years, co-founded Company Pictures producing the likes of Shameless, Wild at Heart and Skins before setting up The Forge. Mark, also previously at Company Pictures, has a background in Business Affairs but has also produced a raft of high-profile shows including Wolf Hall for BBC.  In her role as Head of Drama at Channel 4, Beth commissioned The End of the Fucking World, Humans, and No Offence before joining The Forge;  George Ormond was previously an Executive Producer at the BBC, where he developed a raft of shows including BBC’s 2016 adaptation of War and Peace. He also produced Sarah Phelp’s Bafta and Emmy award winning Great Expectations.

    The Forge were advised by Tom Manwaring at Helion Partners.