Preethi Mavahalli to join Ben Stephenson's new label Poison Pen Studios as Creative Director

Preethi Mavahalli has been appointed as Creative Director of Poison Pen Studios, Ben Stephenson’s new transatlantic scripted label at ITV Studios. 

Poison Pen Studios will be based in London and Los Angeles, with teams situated in both locations, and will focus on high end premium drama. Mavahalli will join when the label launches in the new year from Sky Studios, where she has been Creative Director of In-House Drama, and will work across both teams with Stephenson to develop a raft of British and American dramas.

Prior to Sky Studios, Mavahalli was Director of Drama at the award-winning, fellow ITV Studios indie Mammoth Screen, where she developed and executive produced a number of series including the critically-acclaimed The Serpent, Noughts + Crosses and The City & The City. Other credits include The War of The Worlds, McDonald & Dodds, NW and Next of Kin. Before Mammoth Screen, Mavahalli worked at Film4 and Film London.

Stephenson said: “When I decided to start my own company there was only one person I wanted by my side. I’m so grateful she agreed! Preethi is an exceptionally talented and lovely person with great taste and a fantastic track record. I cannot wait to get started, have fun and make some great drama with her.”

“To work alongside Ben, a producer I have admired for many years, is a dream of an opportunity,” said Mavahalli. “I am utterly delighted to be a part of this ambitious transatlantic venture and cannot wait to get started at Poison Pen Studios.”

ITV Studios announced in July that Stephenson was joining to launch his new label, which adds to its burgeoning stable of world-class producers across the world.