Endemol Shine launches first label

Endemol Shine Group has launched its first production label since its formation in December – a UK drama indie to be led by a BBC executive producer.

Phillippa Giles

Bandit Television will be a production subsidiary within Endemol Shine UK and will be led by Phillippa Giles. The firm will create and produce original scripted content for the UK market to be distributed globally through Endemol Shine International.

Giles will oversee the new venture as managing director, joining the company from BBC Drama where her career spans more than 25 years.

She is behind the Golden Globe-winning series Luther starring Idris Elba and long-running procedural hit Silent Witness, which she revamped with a new cast lead by Emilia Fox.

“Phillippa is an exceptionally talented producer with a strong track record and vision for successful procedural dramas,” said Richard Johnston, CEO of Endemol Shine UK. “The launch of Bandit Television further signifies our commitment to creating a diverse slate of world-class scripted content for the worldwide audience.”

Giles added: “At Bandit, I plan to continue to embrace the same wealth of talent but also open doors to new voices, taking advantage of the range of opportunities now open to me.”

Bandit Television joins Endemol Shine UK’s portfolio of drama production arms that includes Artists Studio, Brown Eyed Boy, Fifty Fathoms, House of Tomorrow, Kudos, Lovely Day and Tiger Aspect, as well as the recently launched Cave Bear Productions.

Endemol Shine Group was formed late last year after a merger between Endemol, Shine and Core Media, with the firm’s wider structure revealed in December.