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| Merman (production company) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Merman |
| Type | Private |
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Emma Conway; Lydia Kenward |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom; Los Angeles, United States |
| Key people | Emma Conway; Lydia Kenward |
| Products | Television programmes; comedy; drama |
Merman (production company) is a British-American television production company founded in 2015 by Emma Conway and Lydia Kenward. The company develops and produces scripted and unscripted television formats, collaborating with broadcasters, streamers, and independent distributors across the United Kingdom, United States, and Europe. Merman has grown through partnerships with established networks and creative talent to produce series that have appeared on major platforms and festivals.
Merman was established in 2015 by Emma Conway and Lydia Kenward following careers at Channel 4, BBC, Channel 5 (UK), and independent houses such as Shine Limited, Endemol Shine Group, and Rochelle Productions. Early commissions saw the company working with broadcasters including ITV (TV network), Sky UK, HBO, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video on pilot development and series production. The firm expanded into the United States by engaging with agents and executives in Los Angeles, forming development deals with companies tied to Warner Bros. Television, Universal Television, and Sony Pictures Television. Merman’s slate diversified through co-productions with public broadcasters like BBC One, Channel 4, and independent studios including Eleven Film and Big Talk Studios. The company’s trajectory involved strategic ties to talent agencies such as CAA, WME, and ICM Partners to secure writers and showrunners who had credits on series like Doctor Who, Sherlock (TV series), Fleabag, and The Crown. Industry trade coverage appeared in outlets such as Broadcast (magazine), Variety (magazine), and The Hollywood Reporter as Merman scaled up development pipelines and international distribution.
Emma Conway and Lydia Kenward serve as co-founders and joint creative leads, bringing prior senior roles at BBC Studios and Channel 4 Television Corporation respectively. Executive producers and commissioners who have worked with Merman-linked projects include alumni from Rye Films, Blossom Films, Baby Cow Productions, and Working Title Television. Board advisors and non-executive directors have included former executives from All3Media, Sky Studios, and Endeavor Content. Merman’s creative leadership has collaborated with writers and directors represented by agencies such as United Agents, Curtis Brown, and The Artists Partnership, and with producers who previously worked on series for Hulu, Showtime, Channel 4, and BBC Two.
Merman’s catalogue spans comedy, drama, and factual-entertainment formats developed for broadcasters including BBC One, BBC Two, Channel 4, ITV, Sky Atlantic, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Hulu. Notable projects involved partnerships with creators who had credits on Fleabag, Killing Eve, The Crown, Black Mirror, and Broadchurch. Series development often saw collaboration with production entities like Baby Cow Productions, Big Talk Productions, See-Saw Films, Red Arrow Studios, and Endemol Shine Group. Merman projects participated in markets and festivals such as MIPCOM, Sundance Film Festival, Series Mania, and Banff World Media Festival to secure international sales and format licensing. The company also developed one-off specials and pilot episodes commissioned by executives formerly associated with BBC Three, Channel 5, and Sky Comedy.
Merman operates on a development-led model, creating intellectual property for licensed production and format sales, engaging partners for co-productions and international distribution with companies like All3Media International, NBCUniversal International Studios, and Sony Pictures Television International. Financing strategies have included equity investment, slate funding, and pre-sales to broadcasters such as ITV Studios and BBC Studios along with streamer commissioning from Netflix and Amazon Studios. The company’s partnership approach leverages relationships with talent agencies (CAA, WME, ICM Partners), distributors (IMG, DCD Rights), and legal advisors experienced with deals recognized by entities such as BAFTA and Ofcom. Merman has negotiated first-look and overall deals with larger studios similar to arrangements seen between Endeavor Content and independent producers, while also participating in co-productions under treaties involving France, Germany, and the United States handled through intermediaries like Canal+ and ZDF.
Merman-associated productions and collaborators have been nominated for and won awards at ceremonies and institutions including BAFTA Awards, Broadcast Awards (UK), Royal Television Society Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Writers' Guild of Great Britain Awards, and international festival honours at Sundance Film Festival and Series Mania. Industry recognition has also come via trade lists and industry accolades from Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Broadcast (magazine), and via craft awards presented by organizations such as British Academy Television Craft Awards and Royal Television Society regional ceremonies.
Merman is structured as a privately held company with offices in London and Los Angeles, maintaining production hubs and satellite teams operating in Manchester, Glasgow, and select European cities including Paris and Berlin. Operational functions such as development, production management, legal, finance, and international sales liaise with external facilities and post-production houses in Shepperton Studios, Pinewood Studios, and post facilities used by companies like The Mill and Framestore. Corporate governance incorporates experienced non-executive directors and advisors from firms including All3Media, Sky, and BBC Studios to guide strategic partnerships, distribution, and slate decisions.
Category:Television production companies of the United Kingdom Category:Television production companies of the United States