John Petrie, the BBC’s director of comedy, is leaving the broadcaster to join Hat Trick Productions.
Mr. Petrie is the new creative director at Hat Trick, the independent comedy production company known for shows such as “Derry Girls,” “Have I Got News for You,” “Mastermind” and “Whose Line Is It?”
He joined the BBC in 2021 and has since played a key role in the development of shows such as Ghost, Gavin and Stacey: The Finale, Black Ops, The Dreaming First Black, Alma Is Not Ordinary, Amandaland, Black Ops, Death Valley, Juice, Ludwig, The Little Prophet and Here We Go. Petrie also founded the BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool. This is just our fifth year.
Mr Petrie said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I leave the BBC after five brilliant years. The BBC is a special place full of incredibly talented, respectful and interesting people, and I feel incredibly lucky to have worked under Kate Phillips’ leadership.”
“Hat Trick is an OG in the independent production community, and taking on the role of creative director feels like a rare and suitably exciting opportunity. I grew up seeing that logo at the end of my favorite shows, and while it’s exciting, it’s also a pretty cruel reminder of my age. Jimmy. and the team have a truly forward-thinking vision across the script, short form and AI. I know it’s a difficult time to make the transition from gamekeeper to poacher, but I’ve missed the production and strongly believe there’s still huge opportunity for British comedy. I’m excited to be able to help build what’s next before then. ”
Petrie will officially leave the BBC in August, and Emma Lawson will become interim director of comedy. In the meantime, the BBC will begin recruiting a permanent replacement for the position.
Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, said: “John has been a huge influence since joining the BBC five years ago and has been one of the biggest supporters of British comedy to date. I’m very sad to see him go, but he leaves on a comedic high. John’s vision and drive have led to an incredible number of hit shows, reflecting his commitment to giving original voices the space to take risks. Under John’s leadership, it has been a fantastic time for the genre, with the BBC securing eight divisions.” John and his talented team have always fought for the industry during these difficult times and we know how important they are in supporting the genre. I’m very much looking forward to John’s future endeavors and wish him all the best, but like many of my colleagues, I will miss working with him. Everything! ”
Jimmy Mulville, founder and managing director of Hat Trick Productions, said: “Everyone here is extremely excited to have John join us. I have great admiration for him as he has guided BBC Comedy through its most successful and creative period in a long time. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Shows like Ludwig, Amandaland, Alma Is Not Ordinary, and The Little Prophet, to name a few, demonstrate his extraordinary range and impeccable sense of comedy. We share the same DNA and can’t wait to start working with him. We are honored that he has chosen Hat Trick as his new home.”
