Jamie Laurenson leaves BBC Films to head See-Saw's TV arm

Former BBC executive Jamie Laurenson has joined See-Saw to spearhead the company’s new TV division.

Laurenson spent four years at the BBC as executive producer for BBC Films and commissioning editor for drama for BBC 4.

In his new role as head of television for See-Saw, Laurenson will be responsible for running development and overseeing the company’s productions.

See-Saw, with credits including The King’s Speech and Shame, is currently in production on Jane Campion’s Top of the Lake, the six-part crime-drama series for BBC 2, UKTV Australia & New Zealand and the Sundance Channel, to be distributed by BBC Worldwide.

Iain Canning and Emile Sherman of See Saw said: “Jamie is the perfect fit for our company. As an incredibly experienced film and television executive we are excited by his decision to focus solely on developing and growing our TV business. Increasingly there appears to be no distinction between film and television talent and hiring Jamie puts us in the best position to take advantage of that.”

Laurenson added: “I’m hugely excited to be joining See-Saw. Iain and Emile already have an incredible record in film and it’s thrilling to be invited to work with them as they move into television. I have been very lucky to work with a host of immensely talented people whilst at BBC Films and am very grateful for all I’ve learned here from colleagues and collaborators. I’m really looking forward to the new challenge and to continuing a strong relationship with the BBC.”

While at the BBC Laurenson developed hits including An Education, Project Nim, My Week With Marilyn, Salmon Fishing In The Yemen and TV projects including Toast and Holy Flying Circus.

While in Cannes during MIPCOM in April, Canning talked to Screen about the “exciting” TV slate the company is assembling: “We will be selective about what we do. We want to pick unique projects like Top of the Lake. We are still developing the See-Saw brand as one which works with quality writers and directors so we will be building up our TV slate but with the right project.”