All3Media backs new indie Seven Stories

Film and TV execs Anand Tucker and Sharon Maguire are returning to the UK to launch a new indie producer, Seven Stories, with backing from All3Media.

Tucker and Maguire are the directors, writers and producers of series and movies including Girl with a Pearl Earring, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Red Riding 1983. Tucker recently directed the first four episodes of Channel 4 period series Indian Summers. Maguire brought Bridget Jones to the big screen, and is developing anew installment in the franchise.

“After spending the last few years working in film and television in Los Angeles, we are delighted to return to our roots in the UK and launch a well-resourced television drama company with the backing of All3Media,” says Tucker. “British and American television offer great opportunities right now to tell unexpected, compelling and fascinating stories. As the barriers between film and television are becoming increasingly fluid.”

Development and production executives – Colleen Woodcock and Jo McClellan – have joined the new prodco as creative directors. Woodcock comes from Pathe Productions and McClellan joins from Sky Drama, where her credits included The Tunnel and upcoming Canal+ copro The Last Panthers.

Stephen Lambert, who introduced Tucker and Maguire to All3Media chief executive Jane Turton, is the non-executive chairman of Seven Stories. “I’m delighted All3 is supporting such a talented creative team,” he said.

Lambert added: “My main focus will continue to be Studio Lambert, especially our new drama department run by Sue Hogg, but if I can provide some assistance to Seven Stories as it becomes an established drama producer that will be terrific.”

Jane Turton, chief executive of Discovery and Liberty-owned All3Media said: “Anand, Sharon, Colleen and Jo have an outstanding track record and I am delighted to help them launch their start-up company. This is another step in our commitment to growing All3’s scripted interests, which so far this year have included the acquisition of Neal Street Productions, the appointment of Michele Buck at Company Pictures and the launch of Studio Lambert drama.”