Warp Films leadership restructure; renewed European focus
February 6, 2024
Warp Films, a member of the Channel 4 Indie Growth Fund, has announced key changes in its leadership team. Warp Filmsvsays it “will bring in a new era of excellence under the seasoned guidance of its executives”. Warp Films’ primary focus is on the UK market while actively prioritising expansion into the European landscape.
While remaining on the board of Directors, Peter Carlton is set to assume a pivotal position as Senior Executive Producer, bringing his wealth of experience to focus on a slate of projects with an emphasis on co-production.
Among these ventures is Costa Armonia, a horror series set in an AI-controlled wellness retreat in the Peloponnese, a co-production with Neda Films (Greece), co-created by Carlton and leading Greek director Lefteris Charitos (Wild Bees; The Witch). Also, the much-anticipated S.O.L., a darkly-funny thriller about an egotistical philanthropist who tries to save the world through geoengineering but nearly destroys it by starting world war. A collaboration between Warp Films in the UK, TV4 and Rainy Days in Sweden, this project has been selected for the Berlinale Series Co-Production Market.
Mark Herbert (pictured), will continue as Founder and Chief Executive Officer. The rest of the Board – Emily Feller as Chief Creative Officer, Niall Shamma as Chief Operating Officer and Peter Balm as Commercial Director – will continue to steer the day to day running of the company in line with the Creative and Commercial strategies.
Carlton commented: “Warp has a strong local identity whilst always telling global stories. As co-production is a vital and expanding part of the market, we have the opportunity to build on our existing network of European talent and partners to tell authentic and ambitious stories for the international market. I’m delighted to focus on my first love of storytelling in new territories, knowing Warp’s future management is in the brilliantly capable hands of Mark, Emily, Niall and Peter Balm.”
Herbert added: “Peter and I have been working together at Warp for over a decade, serving as Joint CEOs. Throughout this time, we’ve built a strong partnership filled with shared successes and memorable experiences. Peter’s outstanding contributions, particularly in producing award-winning series like The Last Panthers and Little Birds, speak to his talent and dedication. I have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his new role. We’ve been actively developing and expanding our leadership team and this move is a significant step toward enhancing our capabilities for the next chapter. I have full confidence in the team that surrounds me, it’s an exciting time for all of us.”
In the coming months, Warp Films is set to unveil a series of announcements around new development deals with a European slant and as production kicks off on several greenlit projects. Notably, an eagerly anticipated collaboration with Stephen Graham’s Matriarch Productions, co-owned with his actress-producer wife, Hannah Walters.