Lenny Henry, the iconic British comedian and diversity advocate, has recently launched a new scripted production outfit called Esmerelda Productions. With the backing of the £50M Banijay UK Growth Fund, Henry aims to produce compelling drama and comedy shows, while placing a strong emphasis on working with under-represented writers, cast, and crew. This new venture marks an exciting chapter in Henry’s career, as he steps down as CEO of his current Banijay-backed production house, Douglas Road, passing the torch to Managing Director Angela Ferreira. Let’s delve into the details of this groundbreaking development in the entertainment industry.
Esmerelda Productions, led by Lenny Henry and former EastEnders and Casualty executive Jon Sen, intends to redefine diversity in the world of entertainment. Through this venture, Henry seeks to provide opportunities and amplify the voices of those historically marginalized in the industry.
One of the key objectives of Esmerelda Productions is to produce drama and comedy shows that authentically represent a diverse range of perspectives. By working with under-represented writers, cast, and crew, Henry aims to break down barriers and challenge the status quo in the media.
Banijay’s investment in Esmerelda Productions will enable the company to build an exceptional team and expand its slate of projects. Supported by Banijay Rights as their distributor, Esmerelda Productions has the opportunity to reach a wide audience and bring stories that have been traditionally overlooked to the forefront.
Banijay’s Growth Fund has made strategic investments in various creative ventures, including Rabbit Track and Conker Pictures, as well as forging talent deals with renowned industry figures like Kevin Macdonald. Henry’s collaboration with Banijay showcases the shared commitment towards building a more inclusive and representative entertainment landscape.
In Lenny Henry’s own words, the journey leading up to this exciting announcement has been a rollercoaster ride. His dedication, hard work, and determination have paid off with Banijay’s decision to invest in Esmerelda Productions. Henry expresses his pride in this new partnership and eagerly anticipates collaborating with his soon-to-be-announced team, led by Jon Sen.
Patrick Holland, overseeing the Growth Fund at Banijay, highlights Lenny Henry as a national treasure and a creative legend in his own right. Together with Jon Sen, Henry is poised to execute an ambitious scripted slate that promises to captivate audiences and reflect the diverse reality of our world.
The partnership between Esmerelda Productions and Banijay comes to fruition with the assistance of Victoria Kimber from Danworth Associates and legal advice provided by Wiggin LLP. This collaboration signifies the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the entertainment industry.
Lenny Henry’s launch of Esmerelda Productions, with the support of the Banijay UK Growth Fund, marks a significant step towards redefining diversity in the world of entertainment. Through a commitment to working with under-represented talent and producing innovative and inclusive content, Henry and his team aim to break down barriers and challenge industry norms. With Banijay’s investment and distribution support, Esmerelda Productions is poised to make a profound impact on the entertainment landscape, amplifying voices that have long been silenced. This exciting new venture will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry, delivering stories that are truly representative of our diverse society.