Preethi Mavahalli Exits Poison Pen, Launches Paper Mill Productions with ITV Studios

ITV Studios, the production and distribution arm of U.K. broadcaster ITV, is further expanding its presence in the premium drama production space with the launch of Paper Mill Productions. This new scripted label will be spearheaded by Preethi Mavahalli, an experienced drama producer. ITV Studios will handle international distribution for Paper Mill, which will develop and produce premium scripted series designed for U.K. and global audiences.

Mavahalli is currently creative director at Ben Stephenson’s transatlantic drama house Poison Pen Studios, which is also an ITV Studios label. During her time there, she oversaw the development and production of upcoming provocative love-story drama “Adultery,” starring Dominic Cooper and Romola Garai and written by Danny Brocklehurst, and serial killer thriller “The Dark,” based upon G.R. Halliday’s debut novel, “From the Shadows” and adapted by Matt Hartley. Both series are set to 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 BAFTA nominated “NW,” “The War of the Worlds,” “McDonald & Dodds,” “Tripped” and “Next of Kin.” Mavahalli previously worked as director of drama at Mammoth Screen and at Sky Studios, Film4 and Film London.

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

Mavahalli said: “Almost my entire television career has been as part of ITV Studios so it only felt natural to take this exciting and significant step as part of the family. I’m thrilled to launch this new venture and continue to collaborate with exceptional storytellers and creatives, Julian, and the wonderfully talented team at ITV Studios.” Julian Bellamy, managing director ITV Studios, added: “ITV Studios has a long tradition of championing talented drama executives. I am 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 U.K. 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.