A writer-led drama and comedy production company, founded in 1979, with bases in London and Cardiff and the makers of Sherlock.
Hartswood Films is a British production company that makes drama and comedy for broadcasters and streamers worldwide. Its own website describes it as "a writer-led production company" that puts scripts and screenwriters at the centre of its work. Its shows include Sherlock for the BBC, which sold to over 200 territories, plus Dracula, Inside Man, The Devil's Hour, Douglas Is Cancelled, Wolf and The Control Room. Its history also includes Men Behaving Badly, according to ITV Studios.
Beryl Vertue, who had been a business manager and agent for leading British comedy creators, founded Hartswood in 1979, which makes it the UK's longest-established scripted producer, according to ITV Studios. Its website says it aims to combine creative excellence with fairness, decency and social responsibility. It also describes a long-term commitment to widening access to the television industry and to championing new talent from across the UK, on both sides of the camera. Its work has won BAFTA, Emmy, Peabody and Royal Television Society awards.
The company says it has production bases in Richmond and Cardiff, although ITV Studios' announcement says it is based in London and Cardiff, so the sources vary on exactly where in London. ITV Studios announced on 25 July 2024 that it had acquired a majority stake, and handles international distribution for future commissions. Sherlock was made in Wales with Welsh Government backing, according to a gov.wales page listed in search results, which we have not read. Sue Vertue is chief executive and an executive producer, Dan Cheesbrough is managing director and Debbie Vertue is director of operations.
On culture, Steven Moffat is creative director and works with the company's writers, according to its site, and the company's collaborators have included Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch, Stanley Tucci and Hugh Bonneville. Sue Vertue said the company is not known for rash decisions and has always been open to investment from people who understand the importance of independence. This is a family-led company, which gives it a different feel from the biggest broadcasters' in-house teams.
A scripted production company employs producers, development executives who work with writers, script editors, production managers and coordinators, finance and business affairs staff and assistants, along with crews on each production. A Cardiff base means these jobs exist in Wales as well as in London. Interests in writing, drama, comedy, television or business can all lead here. The company's own website is the place to check for current openings.
Website: hartswoodfilms.co.uk
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