Former Nat Geo exec Francesca Johnson sets up development & finance firm Table41

Francesca Johnson (Source: Table41)

Francesca Johnson, former director of development and production at National Geographic in the UK, is launching development, consultancy and finance company Table41.

The agency will serve as an incubator for new projects across factual, fact-ent and unscripted, alongside premium factual, limited drama and documentary series.

Several projects are already in Table41’s development pipeline, including soon-to-be-announced series with BossaNova Media, Atomic Television, and Dare Pictures.

Table41 plans to connect freelance executives with genre expertise to independent companies and will prioritise specific commissioner briefs and individual projects to ensure that collaborations move swiftly into execution.

It will also offer one off project-based support, working with existing development teams across research, writing and the creation of premium pitch decks and sizzles.

Johnson worked for National Geographic for 11 years, during which time she oversaw development and worked with the London-based commissioning team on projects for the factual giant’s linear channels and Disney+.

These included Diana: In Her Own Words, Drain the Oceans, Inside North Korea’s Dynasty and Lost Cities. She also worked with network heads across Asia, Europe and Latin America to identifying co-production opportunities for locally produced content.

Her executive producer credits include Heroes Of The Sky: The Real Mighty Eighth Air Force, 9/11: Control The Skies and India From Above.

Most recently, Johnson served as EVP of content at Anyway Content, where she was responsible for building the non-scripted business and driving its scripted and non-scripted development slate.

“We all know that our business is going through tough times and that it’s never been more difficult to get creative projects off the ground. But the truth is, you don’t need to be a mega label or a super indie to get a show greenlit – you need to be flexible, efficient and connected,” said Johnson.

“Development can be a real drag in isolation and this agency is about growing your ‘table for one’, expanding your network and creating the positive momentum needed to turn great ideas into even better shows.”