‘The Serpent’ EP Preethi Mavahalli Leaves Poison Pen to Start New Drama Venture with ITV Support

The Serpent Executive Producer Preethi Mavahalli is departing from Ben Stephenson’s Poison Pen to establish her own drama production company under the support of ITV Studios, named Paper Mill Productions.

Slated to open next month, Paper Mill Productions will continue to operate under the ITV Studios umbrella. Mavahalli has been a key player at Stephenson’s Poison Pen since its inception in 2022, contributing to ITV shows like Adultery and The Dark. Additionally, Luke Woelhaf, another executive from Poison Pen, will be joining her at Paper Mill.

According to ITV Studios, Paper Mill Productions will focus on “developing and producing high-quality scripted programs aimed at both UK and international audiences,” with ITV Studios managing global distribution.

Mavahalli, a respected figure in the UK television industry, has previously been involved in notable projects such as The Serpent, Noughts + Crosses, and McDonald & Dodds. Her career includes significant roles at Sky Studios and as the head of drama at Mammoth Screen.

Mavahalli expressed her enthusiasm about the new venture, stating, “Having spent nearly my entire career in television with ITV Studios, it felt like a natural progression to embark on this new journey within the same family. I am excited to start this company and look forward to working with outstanding storytellers and the incredibly skilled team at ITV Studios, along with Julian [Bellamy, head of ITV Studios].”

ITV Studios is home to several other drama production companies, including the creators of Sherlock, Hartswood Films, Nicola Shindler’s Quay Street Productions, and Mammoth Screen.