Faith Penhale takes control of Les Mis producer Lookout Point

Simon Vaughan has stepped down as joint-CEO of Les Miserables producer Lookout Point, leaving Faith Penhale to take control of the business. 

Vaughan is exiting his role as chairman and joint-CEO of the BBC Studios-owned prodco after 10 years. 

Penhale, who previously served as creative director and joint-CEO, will be the sole head of the business.  

Founded in 2009 by Simon and Justine Vaughan, Lookout Point initially worked with financing and production partners on deals for scripted projects such as Ripper Street, The Collection, The Living and The Dead, Parade’s End and Titanic. However, in recent years and with the arrival of former BBC drama exec Penhale in 2016, the company has transformed into a full-service high-end scripted producer. 

Recent credits include War & Peace and Les Misérables, both written by Andrew Davies; Sally Wainwright’s To Walk Invisible and the forthcoming Gentleman Jack.

Davies’ adaptation of A Suitable Boy will go into production later this year.

Vaughan said: “It’s been 10 years this year since we started the company and I couldn’t be prouder of all that Lookout Point has achieved in that time, but now felt like the right time to move on. I am very much looking forward to watching it grow and flourish under Faith’s inspiring leadership and as part of the BBC.”

Penhale added: “Simon has played a huge role in the building and success so far of Lookout Point. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and he will be missed. Looking forward, I am excited at the opportunity to create more unforgettable drama. We have ambitious projects on the go, a first-class team and the privilege of working with the best writers in the business.”