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: Tommy Bulfin

  1. Conker Pictures to open Belfast base

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    Conker Pictures, the scripted start up from ex BBC Commissioning Editor Tommy Bulfin and ex Apple TV+ Drama Commissioner Kim Varvell, is to open an office in Northern Ireland, Conker Pictures NI.

    Building on their experience of working in the Nations & Regions on high profile dramas (Tommy commissioned the hit Belfast based police drama Blue Lights when he was at the BBC), their ambition is to make contemporary and original series, with global appeal, from Northern Ireland working with local writers, talent and crews.

    The London office will remain the company headquarters, with the new central Belfast office launching next month. Tommy will be based in London, while Kim is relocating to Belfast. However, the Co-MDs will continue to oversee the business jointly.

    Kim Varvell said: “I am hugely excited to be relocating to Belfast and to be opening Conker’s first regional office. Professionally, the region is teeming with creativity, inspiring story tellers and incredible talent. Personally, I am going to be incredibly proud to call Belfast my home. We can’t wait to get going and are grateful for the support and advice of Northern Ireland Screen and the BBC in helping us make this move.”

    Tommy Bulfin added: “I have had the good fortune to work on many productions in Northern Ireland and I have always been blown away by the talent and professionalism on show there. Having a base in Belfast will allow Conker to really make roots in the region and nurture creative relationships. Northern Ireland is home to some of the very best crews and creative talent in the industry. I am very excited by the potential and know that Irish stories and talent will resonate worldwide.”

    Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen commented: “As the TV/Drama sector locally goes from strength to strength, we are delighted to welcome Conker Pictures to Northern Ireland, under the esteemed leadership of Tommy Bulfin and Kim Varvell. Their combined experience in commissioning high-profile dramas and their commitment to cultivating local talent will undoubtedly bolster opportunities for our local writers, talent, and crews.”

    With support from Northern Ireland Screen and the BBC, Conker Pictures NI is recruiting a Development Assistant Trainee to work from Belfast. Applications are now open here https://northernirelandscreen.getgotjobs.co.uk/listings

    Conker Pictures launched in April 2023 with backing from Banijay UK.

  2. Banijay UK backs Tommy Bulfin and Kim Varvell start up

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    BBC Commissioning Editor Tommy Bulfin and Apple TV+ Drama Commissioner Kim Varvell are setting up ‘Conker Pictures’ a business focussed on making popular and distinctive scripted series for the UK and global audiences.

    The highly respected duo have extensive production and commissioning experience having been behind many of the most successful dramas in recent years.

    In his role at the BBC, Tommy has overseen some of the division’s biggest shows including The Tourist, Kudos’ SAS Rogue Heroes, Normal People and Peaky Blinders. Further Executive Producer credits include The Gold, Line of Duty, Conversations with Friends, Marriage, Beyond Paradise and Dublin Murders.

    Kim joined Apple TV + in 2020 and has been responsible for developing and commissioning a raft of global dramas with recent productions including upcoming thriller Hijack starring Idris Elba, Sharon Horgan’s Bad Sisters, and Suspicion starring Uma Thurman.

    Prior to this, Kim was at New Pictures where she developed and executive produced Des starring David Tennant for ITV and as Head of Development for the company oversaw a raft of developments and productions, including White House Farm for ITV, Requiem for BBC One / Netflix and The Innocents for Netflix.

    With Banijay UK investment, led by CEO Patrick Holland via the recently announced UK Growth Fund, the start-up will begin hiring full time staff and investing in their development slate.

    The deal includes a first look deal with distributor Banijay Rights and supports Banijay’s wider strategy to strengthen and evolve its scripted offering.

    Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay UK who led the deal said: “I couldn’t be more delighted to announce this investment in Kim and Tommy’s new company from the Banijay UK Growth Fund. As commissioning editors, they have overseen some of the most distinctive dramas in recent years.  They share wonderful instincts for talent and possess a restless energy to produce the very best shows.  And they always think of the audience. Together they make a formidable pair and, with Banijay’s support, I have every expectation that Conker Pictures will thrive and grow.”

    Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin added; “We have been friends and colleagues for many years and it has long been our ambition to work together again. United by our mutual love of high quality, popular drama series and our shared passion for shows enjoyed by a wide audience, we are absolutely thrilled to find a home with Banijay UK, who have a rich history of delivering hit shows, beloved by viewers worldwide. We have had the good fortune to work with some of the brightest and best talent in the UK over the past few years and are excited to build on these strong relationships in our new home at Conker Pictures. We are delighted to be doing this with Patrick and the entire Banijay team.”