Primeval duo setting up drama division at ITV

Impossible Pictures executives Tim Haines and Katie Newman have left the Primeval producer to join ITV and will set up a new high-end drama division at the UK commercial broadcaster.

Haines was creative director at Impossible and is now creative director, drama, ITV Studios. Newman is executive producer, drama, the same title she had at Impossible. ITV said their new division will work in tandem with the existing drama operations at content division ITV Studios with a focus on projects for the UK and North America.

At UK indie Impossible the pair both worked on hit dino-drama Primeval, which was on ITV in the UK. As well as working on the original Primeval, Newman worked on spin-off Primeval: New World, while Haines’ other credits include Sinbad and, while working at the BBC, Walking With Dinosaurs.

He said: “It is a fantastic time to be making drama in the UK and internationally and we are thrilled to be joining Denise and ITV Studios. Their huge experience, reach and support allows us an amazing opportunity to take advantage of the current hunger for high-end drama.”

Newman said: “Building on ITV Studios’ outstanding success, we will be collaborating with some of the UK’s most exciting writing talent in creating bold, ‘channel defining’ drama for UK and North American broadcasters. Our focus will be on prime time, returnable series – big ideas, most likely with a twist, that will make a splash in viewing schedules around the globe.”

Tim and Katie join ITV Studios from Impossible Pictures where they both played a crucial part in the success of the international co-production and critically acclaimed drama franchise Primeval.