Trending Now - Preethi Mavahalli Leaves Poison Pen to Start Itv-backed Drama Firm

WHO:

Variety - Preethi Mavahalli, executive producer of 'The Serpent'

Deadline - Ben Stephenson, former Bad Robot TV boss, associated with Poison Pen

WHAT:

Variety - Preethi Mavahalli is exiting Poison Pen to launch a new drama label called Paper Mill Productions.

Deadline - Paper Mill Productions will be backed by ITV Studios and will focus on developing and producing premium scripted series.

WHERE:

Variety - Paper Mill Productions will be part of ITV Studios, which is based in the U.K.

WHEN:

Deadline - Paper Mill Productions is set to launch in April 2026.

Deadline - Mavahalli has been with Poison Pen since its inception in 2022.

WHY:

Variety - The launch of Paper Mill Productions is part of ITV Studios' strategy to expand its presence in the premium drama production space.

HOW:

Variety - ITV Studios will handle international distribution for Paper Mill Productions.

(UPDATED March 31, 2026 11:18 UTC)

Preethi Mavahalli, the executive producer of 'The Serpent,' is leaving Poison Pen to launch a new drama label called Paper Mill Productions, which will be backed by ITV Studios. Set to launch in April 20th26, Paper Mill Productions aims to develop and produce premium scripted series as part of ITV Studios' strategy to enhance its presence in the drama production space. ITV Studios will also manage international distribution for the new label, which will be based in the U.K.