BBC Drama restructures with Harwood successors

UK pubcaster the BBC has created three England-based head of drama roles, as part of restructure that has followed Kate Harwood’s exit to lead FremantleMedia prodco Euston Films.

Hilary Salmon (pictured) has been appointed into one of two London-based positions, with Hilary Martin taking on a north England role. Another London post is yet to be filled.

They will work closely with Faith Penhale, who leads BBC drama in Wales, Scottish drama boss Christopher Aird and Northern Ireland scripted chief Stephen Wright. BBC in-house production accounts for about 60% of the entire drama slate.

They will also work closely with Ben Stephenson, controller of BBC Drama.

The BBC said the new appointments were part of a “restructure within existing headcount levels”.

Salmon has been heading up series and serials production since Harwood’s departure in March this year. She is credited for series such as Shoot The Messenger, Eroica and Criminal Justice, and coproduced Five Days, The Passion and House Of Saddam with US cable channel HBO.

Former ITV exec Martin joined the BBC in 2008 and has worked on series such as BBC Three zombie drama In the Flesh and high-rating BBC One dramas The Secret Of Crickley Hall and Southriding.

Stephenson said of the appointments: “This dynamic BAFTA-winning pair are the first part of a new-look In-house that will aim to be at the forefront of modern television drama.”