‘Trigger Point’ director Gilles Bannier launches Alef One in London

Gilles Bannier (Source: Alef One)

Trigger Point director Gilles Bannier has linked up with Nora Melhli’s Paris-based production firm Alef One to create a London subsidiary.

Alef UK is to be led by creative director Bannier, who was also behind Blue Lights, and will develop, create and produce high-end scripted shows for global platforms and broadcasters.

The company will be a stand-alone subsidiary of Alef One and has already secured an option on Mind Reader, the thriller by novelist Iain Levison, whose books have been widely published in France. Screenwriter Jonathan Wakeham (To Catch a Killer) is attached to adapt the novel into a six episode returning series.

Bannier said: “Our DNA is to create content with powerful narratives around strong, compelling characters. As an independent unit, we are free to choose projects which we are passionate about and believe in one hundred percent.

“Nora and I will be working closely with like-minded UK, European and US partners to build truly collegial co-productions and explore our network of writers, directors and wider creative talent.”

Melhli added: “Our priority at Alef One is to tell universal stories that push the boundaries of society and shake off taboos. I particularly wanted someone at the helm of our UK operation who would share these values.

“It was also important to ensure that we had an experienced creative at the forefront of our business and, with Gilles, we have just that person – he has a great eye for a relatable story, is not afraid to break convention, as well as having vast experience and a wide range of industry connections across all disciplines to make the best and most accessible content possible.”

French-born Bannier has lived in London for almost a decade and recently directed the first season of Blue Lights for BBC One. Prior to this he directed the first season of Trigger Point for Hat Trick and ITV, having gained credits on shows such as Tin Star, In The Dark and French hit Spiral (aka Engrenages) for Canal+.

Former Altice Group exec Melhli created Alef One in 2018 with Jacques Arthur Essebag, who founded Satisfaction Group. Since then, she has been developing and producing films and series such as Flight MH370, Carlos Ghosn: The Last Flight and more recently The Nanny for TF1.