Sky's ex-comedy boss lands US deal for her new company

Former BBC and Sky comedy chief Lucy Lumsden has launched her own independent TV company, Yellow Door Productions, which already has a ‘first look’ deal with America’s ABC Studios.

Lumsden quit Sky in September, saying that she wanted to get ‘closer to the creative coal face’ after having commissioned more than 60 series, including Moone Boy, Stella and Trollied.

Her new company will be developing scripted ideas for the UK and US markets, with the ABC deal described as offering ‘exciting opportunities for UK talent’.

Patrick Moran, executive vice-president of ABC Studios, said: ‘Lucy is responsible for some of the UK’s most creative and internationally successful television. When we heard that she was making the transition to producer, we jumped at the chance to get into business with her.’

And Lumsden added: ‘I love Patrick's enthusiasm and appreciation for British talent. I'm looking forward to helping ABC Studios find scripted ideas that could translate for the US, while also developing a slate that will work for the UK. I can't think of a more exciting way to kick off this new chapter.‘

Before joining Sky, Lumsden spent four years as the BBC’s controller of comedy commissioning where her shows included Outnumbered, Gavin and Stacey, Rev, The Thick of It, The Trip, Nighty Night, The Catherine Tate Show, Miranda and Harry & Paul.

Last year she wrote and directed her first short film Honeysuckle, a drama starring Miriam Margolyes which won the Jury Prize at the Montreal World Film Festival. 

Most recently she directed Nish Kumar and Trygve Wakenshaw’s Christmas Comedies for Sky. She also chaired last year's Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards judging panel. 

Lumsden began her career in television in 1992, working at the Comic Strip Ltd

ABC Studios is the production house behind Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nashville and The Muppets. 

Published: 20 Apr 2016