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See-Saw Films, the multi-award winning Brit TV and film banner behind “Slow Horses” and upcoming Apple original feature “Tenzing,” has hired Ben Irving as managing director.
Irving joins from Fifth Season, where he is
currently creative director of international scripted, and replaces Helen Gregory, who leaves See-Saw after five years helping shape the TV output at the Mediawan-owned company.
Irving will work alongside See-Saw’s joint managing director Simon Gillis with a focus primarily on scripted TV.
“Ben is such a highly respected creative and strategic leader, with a deep understanding of the market, longstanding relationships across the creative community both in the U.K. and abroad, and a wealth of industry experience. Together with Simon Gillis, Ben will be a powerful force as we continue to grow our scripted television slate,” commented See-Saw’s joint founders and CEOs Emile Sherman and Iain Canning.
“We are so grateful to Helen for everything she has brought to See-Saw over the past five years. Her creative instincts, unwavering commitment to exceptional storytelling, and ability to attract and champion writers and directors have continued our drive to be the company we are today. The strength of our slate, the success of our returning series and the exciting projects to come all owe a great deal to Helen’s talent and dedication, and the exceptional creative team she has built. She will be missed by us all and we wish her every success in the next chapter of her career.”
Irving established the U.K. Development and Production division at Fifth Season in late 2022 and, as creative director of international scripted, has overseen the company’s international scripted slate. He leaves the division as it begins production on two returnable series for Netflix and MGM+, and the recently-announced “Crouch End,” a six-part limited series for Prime Video based on a short story by Stephen King. Further productions are slated to commence in 2027.
Prior to Fifth Season, Irving served as acting director of drama at the BBC overseeing all of its primetime drama output. He joined BBC Drama as head of development in 2017, became commissioning editor in 2018, and later acting director of drama after the departure of Piers Wenger. During his time at the BBC, he executive produced acclaimed and award-winning series including “His Dark Materials,” “Sherwood,” “Giri/Haji,” “Industry,” “The Capture,” “Chloe,” “The Girl Before,” “Gentleman Jack,” “Doctor Who,” “Inside Man” and the final season of “Happy Valley.”
“I’ve spent my career admiring See-Saw from afar as it has grown into a powerhouse studio, driven by creative ambition, so when the opportunity arose to join Iain, Emile, Simon and Liz at this exciting phase in the evolution of the company, I couldn’t let it pass me by,” said Irving.
Gregory joined See-Saw in 2021 and helped transform the company into one of the U.K.’s most exciting producers of premium TV, playing a key role in the success of series including “Slow Horses,” “Sweetpea,” “Apple Cider Vinegar” and “Heartstopper,” while also helping bring to life See-Saw’s next generation of projects, including “Grown Ups” and “The Great White.” Gregory also played a central part in shaping See-Saw’s long-term future by helping the company join Mediawan, as well as securing the rights to the book “The Neverending Story,” which the company is developing with Michael Ende Productions as a series of live action feature films.
“I’ve had such a fun and exciting five years at See-Saw building on the company’s existing achievements. I’m grateful to Iain and Emile for their trust and support, along with Pierre-Antoine Capton, Elisabeth d’Arvieu and their teams at Mediawan who have been a joy to work with,” said Gregory. “Collaborating with Liz Watts and her team and forging bonds with the creative community in Australia has been a privilege. I’m so proud of all that they and the U.K. teams have achieved and will enjoy watching them go from success to success under the guidance of Ben and Simon Gillis, who has been an exceptional partner as fellow MD.”
