Quay Street Productions, the Manchester-based production company founded by award-winning producer Nicola Shindler OBE, has appointed Samantha McMillon as chief operating officer.
McMillon will work alongside Shindler as the new company continues to see build on the growth it has quickly achieved since launch in 2021. McMillon previously built a relationship with Shindler while in post as commercial director – scripted at ITV Studios, which Quay Street is a part of.
In the newly created role McMillon will oversee commercial operations at the production company, which will release its inaugural dramas Nolly, written by Russell T Davies and starring Helena Bonham Carter, and Significant Other written by Dana Fainaru and Hamish Wright, and starring Katherine Parkinson and Youssef Kerkour later this year, both for ITVX.
Prior to Quay Street, McMillon was MD for Mammoth Screen, where she oversaw the companies’ growing drama slate and fostered new relationships domestically and internationally. During her ITV Studios tenure, McMillon worked in the distribution arm’s content team, bringing scripted content to the market from UK, European and Australian producers before becoming commercial director – scripted, where she strategically worked with ITV Studios in-house drama production companies to increase growth.
McMillon said: “Having had an opportunity to work with one of the most formidable producers in the business in Mammoth Screen, it is beyond exciting for me to be able to join another in Quay Street. Icannot wait to get started alongside Nicola and the Quay Street team during this period of significant growth.”
Shindler added: “As Quay Street enters a period of growth and hugely busy year in production, we are incredibly excited to have Sam on board. Sam’s extensive experience across the industry and relationships across production and talent will be a huge asset to Quay Street and we look forward to welcoming her to the team.”
McMillon joins a growing team at Quay Street, which has appointed executive producer Richard Fee, head of development Davina Earl, head of production Chris Leach and head of business affairs Kate Boyle in the last year.
Quay Street Productions marks the latest new chapter in the career of BAFTA-award winning producer Shindler, whose credits include Years and Years, Finding Alice, Happy Valley, The Stranger, and the recent hit dramas, It’s A Sin, Ridley Road, No Return and Stay Close. The label focuses on producing premium drama for the UK and international market and continues to build on Shindler’s body of work with both limited and returning series. International distribution for Quay Street Productions is handled by ITV Studios.
