Lenny Henry starts another script production company backed by Banijay

Lenny Henry has set up a script production company backed by £50 million ($61 million) from the Banijay UK Growth Fund.

Henry is co-manager of the former Esmerelda Productions EastEnders And Victim Executive Director Jon Sen. Drama and comedy shows are produced with an emphasis on collaboration with underrepresented writers, cast and crew members.

British comedy legend and diversity lobbyist Henry will step down as CEO of his current Banijay-backed production house Douglas Road, with managing director Angela Ferreira taking over. This company has just seen the launch of ITV three little birds, Henry’s drama, inspired by his family’s experiences settling in Britain in the 1950s and produced by Russell T Davies.

Banijay’s investment will enable Esmerelda to expand its team and roster, while the deal includes a first attempt at distribution of Banijay rights. Banijay’s Growth Fund has so far acquired stakes in films such as James Norton and Kitty Kaletsky’s Rabbit Track and former British TV commissioners Tommy Bulfin and Kim Varvell’s Conker Pictures, as well as completing notable talent deals with big names such as Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald.

“Preparing for this announcement has been a roller coaster ride of keeping my nose to the grindstone and keeping my mouth shut,” said Henry. “I am so proud that Banijay saw fit to invest in us. I can’t wait to plan and dream with my new, soon-to-be-announced team at Esmerelda, led by the mighty Jon Sen.

Banijay’s Patrick Holland, who runs the Growth Fund, described Henry as “a national treasure and a creative legend in his own lifetime who has plans for an ambitious screenplay with the brilliant Jon Sen.”

Victoria Kimber of Danworth Associates helped Esmerelda organize and negotiate the partnership, with Wiggin LLP providing legal advice to Henry on the transaction. Lee and Thompson LLP advised Sen and Simon Muirhead and Burton LLP acted for Banijay UK.