A Toxic Love Story indie promotes head of production following co-founder Charlie Russell’s departure
Curious Films has upped head of production Nicky Varley to managing director, following the recent departure of co-founder Charlie Russell.
Varley has been with the indie since its establishment in 2018, and has since overhauled production processes, provided valuable insight, helped grow the team and built the operational infrastructure that underpins the company’s ability to deliver projects at pace.
Curious said her promotion recognises her leadership qualities and contributions she has made to the indie’s growth and success, which also include shaping the culture.
The indie is behind several high-profile titles, including Broadcast Digital Award-winning Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth (Disney+) and Boyzone: No Matter What (Sky Documentaries) and recent doc A Toxic Love Story, which has topped the charts in the UK and US on Netflix.
Curious has recorded its highest ever turnover this year, and Varley’s appointment marks the next phase of the company, with two major unannounced projects with new clients in the works, and several in development, the indie said. Forthcoming titles include Spy Next Door: The Anna Chapman Story (Channel 4), a true crime series for Hulu and One for the Road (Sky Docs), a one-off follow-up following Boyzone’s final reunion tour.
Varley’s promotion follow’s last week’s announcement that Russell is exiting Curious to focus on directing.
Dov Freedman, chief executive and founder of Curious, said: “The industry in 2026 looks vastly different to 2018, when Curious began, and as a business, we’ve had to continually pivot. Nicky has been central to growing our global client base with streamers and developing new international partnerships. Curious prides itself on delivering not just creative, but strength in production and finance, and that’s what has led to repeat business from terrific partners.
“Everyone who works for, or with, Curious knows that Nicky is the beating heart of the company. She’s played a major role in shaping a culture we’re incredibly proud of. She’s been by my side for almost a decade now, and it’s filled me with pride to see her grow into an incredible leader and businesswoman.”
Varley said of her promotion: “I feel incredibly lucky to have been with Dov from day one at Curious and I’ve had the privilege of seeing the company through so many different chapters.
“I’m proud to work alongside an exceptionally talented team who are the backbone of everything we produce, and whose collaborative spirit and generosity make Curious such a special place to work. I couldn’t be more excited about what’s in the pipeline, and everything to come.”