Ben Stephenson is leaving JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot to launch a transatlantic drama label with ITV Studios.
The company will have bases in London and Los Angeles, and the former BBC controller of drama commissioning will split his time between the two. Distribution for the new label will be led by ITV Studios.
Stephenson has been head of television at Bad Robot since 2015, where he was responsible for developing and executive producing titles including HBO’s Westworld and LoveCraft Country and Stephen King’s Lisey’s Story and Little Voice at Apple.
He said that he will be “forever grateful to JJ, Katie [McGrath] and Brian [Burk] and the whole team at Bad Robot, as well as our partners at Warner. It’s been a once in a lifetime opportunity and I have truly never learnt so much or worked with such kind and talented partners.”
Abrams said that the Bad Robot team “wish Ben the very best in his new endeavour and appreciate all he has brought to the company.”
Rachel Rusch Rich has been promoted to the new role of president of Bad Robot TV, and will oversee the slate of projects as well as working with the team’s creative partners.
Stephenson previously served nine years at the BBC, where he held the role of controller of drama commissioning, overseeing 450 hours per year, including Luther, Sherlock, The Fall and Line of Duty.
He is the most recent drama creator to join ITV Studios, following Nicola Shindler (Quay Street Productions) and Dominic Treadwell Collins (Happy Prince).
This story was first published by Screen’s sister title Broadcast.
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