Endemol Shine creates Oz drama unit with Banks

Endemol Shine Australia has created a new drama division and signed respected local producer Imogen Banks (pictured) to run it.

The division, Endemol Shine Banks, will sit within Endemol Shine Group’s Aussie arm, with Banks reporting into CEOs Mark and Carl Fennessy.

Banks, along with prolific scripted producer John Edwards, developed ABC miniseries Paper Giants and Nine Network’s eight-hour mini Gallipoli. She also created Showtime series Tangle, and Puberty Blues, Party Tricks and Offspring for Network Ten. Recently, she developed a retelling of Anna Karenina, The Beautiful Lie, for the ABC.

Banks will work with writers to create new scripted content for the Australian market. She is currently is currently in pre-production on season six of Offspring.

Banks said she would create projects with “much valued, long-term collaborators” and develop “an environment in which emerging writers and producers” could thrive.

“Imogen is one of the finest drama producers in the industry,” said Carl Fennessy. “She brings with her a wealth of experience, passion and a proven track record as a creator and producer of hit series.”

Endemol Shine Banks becomes the latest label to join the Endemol Shine stable, coming after the recent creation of Sidney Street, a food- and lifestyle-focused producer that former MasterChef UK creative director Karen Smith will lead.