Merman poaches 42 drama exec

Sharon Horgan’s production company, Merman, has hired Daniel Walker from UK-based production and management firm 42, and added comedian Katy Brand to its ranks as a consultant.

Walker (pictured) will be Merman’s head of drama development, having joined from 42, the prodco coproducing BBC and Netflix’s reboot of Watership Down, where he was television development executive.

He has also worked at Sky’s drama development and commissioning team and The Agency. At 42 he script-edited Watership Down.

Comedian and writer Brand, meanwhile, has been brought in to develop and work on Merman’s growing slate, which includes Channel 4 comedy pilot The Circuit and BBC Two pilot Motherland, which Merman is coproducing with Delightful Industries.

Brand is known for films such as Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang and her ITV sketch comedy Katy Brand’s Big Ass Show.

“We are thrilled to see the Merman family growing with the addition of Katy and Daniel, who are both incredibly talented and inspiring to work around,” said Merman co-founder and managing director Clelia Mountford.

“It’s a privilege to have such an informed and dynamic development team onboard as our adventure continues and we can’t wait to make even more of the shows we love… and of course we’re expecting a few laughs along the way.”

Mountford launched Merman with Horgan in 2014, initially as Merman Films.