Stern & Wild client snapped up by Guardian Studios for exec producer role
We are delighted to announce that Stern & Wild filmmaker Derren Lawford has been appointed as Executive Producer, Development for Guardian Studios, a new creative hub producing “video-first, personality-led journalism” for the newspaper group.
Launched in February this year, Guardian Studios is a new production arm within the organisation set up as part of its multi-year digital transformation to create “compelling new visual formats, reach new audiences and foster on-screen talent”. It is headed by Leah Green.
Derren began his career as a broadcast journalist, spending over 10 years at the BBC. Starting as the first urban music journalist for BBC Radio 1, he ended with senior editorial and commissioning roles at BBC Three, Panorama and BBC Worldwide (Global iPlayer).
He went on to launch a content division with award-winning social enterprise and marketing agency Livity before joining the launch team at London Live as a commissioner specialising in documentaries and breaking new, diverse and online talent.
From 2014 to 2022, he was Creative Director at Woodcut Media, helping to secure over 300 hours of IP across commissions, co-productions, and private equity investment. His credits include Netflix projects MANDELA, MY DAD AND ME (co-produced with Idris Elba and Generation Revolution), FIENNES: RETURN TO THE NILE (for National Geographic) and a substantial slate of true crime.
In 2022, he set up Dare Pictures which scooped Emerging Indie of the Year at last year’s Broadcast Awards. The company wound down this year, having produced docs including FUGITIVE: THE MYSTERY OF THE CRYPTO QUEEN (for Channel 4), GEORDIE STORIES: SOPHIE’S FERTILITY JOURNEY (for Paramount+) and the Broadcast Digital Award-winning UK PRISONS EXPOSED.
Derren subsequently signed with Stern & Wild which represents him as an executive producer, showrunner and creative consultant for traditional linear broadcasters, digital platforms and commercial brands.
Commenting on his new appointment, he said: “I’ve always loved development whether it’s for TV or digital platforms and I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in launches in both spaces, so the opportunity to join the Guardian as it reimagines how its journalism reaches new audiences with compelling, convergent and curious new formats is a dream job for me.”
