The War of the Worlds exec departs Poison Pen to launch ITVS drama label

The Serpent and War of the Worlds exec producer Preethi Mavahalli is exiting ITV Studios’ Poison Pen to launch her own drama label within the group.

Mavahalli, currently creative director at Ben Stephenson’s transatlantic drama house, will head up Paper Mill Productions and has recruited Poison Pen colleague Luke Woellhaf as executive producer to join her. The label will focus on high-end dramas.

During her time at Poison Pen, Mavahalli has overseen the development and production of upcoming provocative love-story drama Adultery, written by Danny Brocklehurst, and serial killer thriller The Dark, based on GR Halliday’s debut novel. Both are set to launch on ITV later this year.

Prior to Poison Pen, Mavahalli’s credits include BBC/Netflix hit The Serpent, Noughts + Crosses (BBC1), BBC2’s The City and The City, and ITV1 duo The War of the Worlds and McDonald & Dodds.

She has also worked as director of drama at ITVS label Mammoth Screen and at Sky Studios, Film4 and Film London.

Woellhaf served as director of development at Poison Pen and was exec producer on Adultery and The Dark. He was previously head of development at Left Bank Pictures, where his credits include Without Sin and Sitting In Limbo.

“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,” said Mavahalli.

“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.”

ITVS managing director Julian Bellamy added: “ITVS 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.”