See-Saw Taps Fifth Season’s Ben Irving for Joint Managing Director Role as Helen Gregory Steps Down From ‘Slow Horses’ Banner

See-Saw Films has appointed Ben Irving, former creative director of international scripted at Fifth Season, as its new joint managing director. This move follows the departure of Helen Gregory, who stepped down from her role after five years at the helm.

Irving’s background is marked by significant experience in UK television production. Prior to joining Fifth Season, he spent six years at the BBC, where he served as acting director of drama and oversaw a range of primetime productions. His tenure included work on high-profile series such as “His Dark Materials,” “Sherwood,” and “Giri/Haji.”

As joint managing directors, Simon Gillis and Ben Irving will focus primarily on scripted TV, indicating See-Saw’s intention to expand its presence in this area. This strategic shift may be a response to changes in consumer behavior, with many viewers opting for more complex, serialized storytelling over traditional episodic structures.

The appointment of Ben Irving also raises questions about the future of See-Saw’s relationship with Mediawan, which acquired a stake in the company last year. Will Irving’s influence help solidify this partnership or pave the way for new collaborations? His experience and expertise will undoubtedly bring new energy to the company.

Gregory’s departure marks the end of an era at See-Saw, where she oversaw numerous successes, including “Slow Horses” and “Heartstopper.” Her contributions have been significant, and her dedication to exceptional storytelling will be missed.

As Irving settles into his new role, he will need to navigate the complexities of UK television production. With a rich understanding of the market and longstanding relationships across the creative community, he is well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead. The question on everyone’s mind is: what does this mean for the future of See-Saw Films?

Irving’s time at the BBC was marked by significant achievements, including the production of several award-winning series. His work demonstrated a keen eye for innovative storytelling and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of British television. This expertise will undoubtedly serve him well in his new role.

As acting director of drama, Irving played a key role in shaping the BBC’s primetime drama output, which included critically acclaimed series like “Doctor Who” and “Inside Man.” As he settles into his new position, it will be interesting to see how he applies this knowledge to drive growth at See-Saw.

Ben Irving’s arrival is part of a larger trend in the UK television industry. Leadership changes are becoming more frequent as companies continue to evolve and adapt to changing viewer habits. This shift towards new talent and fresh perspectives could signal a new era for British television production.

The appointment of Ben Irving highlights the increasing importance of global partnerships in the UK TV industry. See-Saw’s relationship with Mediawan is just one example of this trend, which has led to an influx of international collaborations and co-productions. As Irving navigates his new role, he will need to balance the demands of these partnerships while maintaining the company’s creative vision.

Helen Gregory’s departure marks a significant change in leadership at See-Saw, but it also represents an opportunity for growth and innovation. With Ben Irving at the helm, the company is poised to expand its presence in scripted TV and explore new collaborations with international partners.

As Irving settles into his new role, it will be essential to maintain the creative momentum that has driven See-Saw’s success over the past five years. This means continuing to invest in innovative productions, nurturing emerging talent, and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

The future is bright for See-Saw Films, but it also holds its share of challenges. As Ben Irving navigates the complexities of UK television production, he will need to balance the demands of partnerships, creative vision, and growth. The question on everyone’s mind is: what does this mean for the next chapter in TV’s evolution?