‘The Bridge’ prodco Workerbee inks factual co-pro deal with radio firm Made in Manchester

The Bridge

Banijay UK label Workerbee has signed a first-look factual co-production deal with local audio prodco Made in Manchester.

Teaming Workerbee’s factual film division and Made In Manchester, the two will work together to develop new content, including titles for TV and radio based on Made in Manchester’s catalogue of radio documentaries and podcasts.

Established in 2005 by commercial radio presenter and executive Ashley Byrne and former Olympic swimmer James Hickman, Made in Manchester’s recent credits include The Truth About Jazz With Clive Myrie for the BBC World Service, Ukraine’s Nuclear Gamble for BBC Radio 4 and World Service and The Day I Met The Queen for 5Live.

The company also produces two podcasts – Distinct Nostalgia – which has interviews and reunions celebrating some of the biggest names in TV and film and Bisexual Brunch. It is run day to day by creative director Byrne and development director & deputy creative director Kurt Brookes.

Headed up by CEO Rick Murray and MD Michelle Chappell. Workerbee, meanwhile, is a Manchester-based production behind titles such as The Bridge for Channel 4, Idris Elba’s Fight School for BBC Two, Janet for Lifetime & A+E and Save Our Beautiful Game for Discovery+.

“This is an exciting partnership and I’m looking forward to working with Ashley and the team as we develop and expand our premium factual offering. This co-pro deal marks the first in a small number of key creative partnerships we are planning that will help Workerbee Films develop its next generation of world class projects,” said Murray.