Kudos launches Manchester-based sister firm

Kudos, the producer behind shows Broadchurch, Humans and Tin Star, has launched a Manchester-based sister company, Kudos North.

Led by newly hired development producer Laura Conway, the new company will establish an open door to the north of England and look to produce new dramas with international appeal with unique voices.

Salford-based actress and writer Maxine Peake (pictured) has signed a first look development deal with the new branch via her production company Vexed Pixie.

In addition, a Kudos North Writers’ Award will also launch this month to help promote the next wave of northern English writers.

The award, which is run in conjunction with the BBC Writer’s Room, will reward two emerging northern writers with a bursary, a new treatment commission, and mentorship by northern writers Danny Brocklehurst and Stephen Butchard.

Conway said: “Kudos North will focus on drama ideas, outside of London, that get under the skin of diverse lives across the United Kingdom and go some way to proving that it’s not grim up North – it’s magic.

“We will create a slate that combines the very best ideas from top writing talent with emerging, authored voices; building beautiful, trusting relationships that span writers’ careers and ultimately get cracking ideas onto global screens.”

Peake added: “The very idea that Kudos has set up a northern sister company goes to show how slowly but surely the rest of the nation has woken up to the abundance of talent and creativity in the north.

“My goal is to encourage new and overlooked talent. To get those engaging stories out there, and to tap into the extraordinary diversity, vibrancy and magic that the north has to offer.”

Kudos is part of the Endemol Shine Group.