Preethi Mavahalli to launch Drama House paper mill

ITV Studios, the production and distribution arm of British broadcaster ITV, is further expanding its presence in the premium drama production space with the launch of Paper Mill Productions, a scripted label led by drama producer Preethi Mavahalli.

ITV Studios will handle international distribution for Paper Mill, which will develop and produce premium scripted series designed for UK and global audiences.

Mavahalli is currently creative director at Ben Stephenson’s transatlantic drama house Poison Pen Studios, also an ITV Studios label.

During her time there, she oversaw the development and production of the upcoming provocative romance drama ‘Adultery’, starring Dominic Cooper and Romola Garai and written by Danny Brocklehurst, and the serial killer thriller ‘The Dark’, based on GR Halliday’s debut novel ‘From the Shadows’ and adapted by Matt Hartley. Both series will launch on ITV later this year.

Mavahalli’s credits include the critically acclaimed BBC/Netflix hit ‘The Serpent’, ‘Noughts + Crosses’ and ‘The City & the City’. Her credits also include the BAFTA-nominated ‘NW’, ‘The War of the Worlds’, ‘McDonald & Dodds’, ‘Tripped’ and ‘Next of Kin’. Mavahalli previously worked as a drama director at Mammoth Screen and at Sky Studios, Film4 and Film London.

Mavahalli has made its first appointment with Luke Woellhaf as executive producer, who also makes the move from Poison Pen, where he served as development director and also EP on “Adultery” and “The Dark.” Previously, he was head of development at Left Bank Pictures, where his credits include the BAFTA-nominated ITVX thriller ‘Without Sin’, the hit Netflix series ‘Behind Her Eyes’ and the BAFTA-winning ‘Sitting in Limbo’.

Mavahalli said: “Almost my entire television career has been part of ITV Studios, so it only felt natural to take this exciting and important step as part of the family. I’m thrilled to launch this new venture and continue to work with exceptional storytellers and creatives, Julian, and the wonderfully talented team at ITV Studios.”

Julian Bellamy, Managing Director of ITV Studios, added: “ITV Studios has a long tradition of championing talented drama executives. I’m delighted that the launch of Paper Mill Productions marks the next exciting phase of Preethi’s journey with us, creating a dedicated label for bold and impactful drama.”

ITV Studios’ portfolio of British drama producers includes Quay Street Productions, World Productions, Happy Prince, Mammoth Screen, Hartswood Films and Moonage Pictures, and its international drama stable includes Cattleya, Plano a Plano, Lingo Pictures, Windlight Pictures, TM Studios, Tetra Media Fiction, Colette Productions, Good Cop and L’Intruse.