Ellie Wood, a prominent producer known for her work on Netflix's BAFTA-nominated film The Dig, has secured a development deal with Banijay UK for her company, Clearwood Films. The agreement was finalized on March 18, 2025, and marks a significant step forward for Clearwood Films, granting them access to essential funding and support from Banijay's extensive resources including finance, legal, and business affairs.
The first project that will emerge under this partnership is an adaptation of Barbara Pym’s beloved novel Excellent Women. This book follows the story of a self-deprecating young woman navigating life in post-World War II London. Wood has expressed her excitement about bringing Pym's work, which she cherishes, to a broader television audience.
Patrick Holland, the CEO of Banijay UK, praised Wood's reputation as a producer, stating, “Ellie is a brilliant producer with an established reputation for creating standout, high-quality drama. Banijay Rights have had a successful first-look deal in place with Clearwood, working with Ellie on projects including Stonehouse, and we are delighted to be backing her vision.” Wood responded to this enthusiasm, saying, “I’m thrilled to be working with Patrick and continuing Clearwood Films’ partnership with the wider Banijay family. I’m particularly excited to be developing the novels of one of my favourite authors, the inimitable Barbara Pym. Just as Jilly Cooper’s Rivals gave us a ‘Cooperverse’, I look forward to creating a ‘Pymverse’ and bringing this iconic author’s uniquely British tales of comic observation and unrequited love not only to her legions of fans but also to a wider TV audience.”
Clearwood Films also has other projects in the pipeline, including an unannounced scripted project targeted for a linear broadcaster, as well as 49 Days, a political drama based on the tumultuous premiership of Liz Truss, penned by the acclaimed writer John Preston. This particular project is also backed by Banijay. The company is continuing to strive for innovative storytelling and to maintain their momentum in a competitive landscape.
Before this latest agreement, Clearwood had a first-look deal with Banijay Rights, which has allowed them to coordinate several successful projects together since 2019. Banijay Rights will persist in distributing Clearwood's content worldwide, sustaining the partnership that has developed over the past few years.
Wood, whose illustrious career includes significant roles at the BBC and Clerkenwell Films, founded Clearwood Films with the aim of developing compelling TV and film projects. In 2019, she produced The Dig, a project that garnered critical acclaim and was nominated for five BAFTAs, featuring performances from stars like Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, and Lily James. Following this success, in 2023, she produced Stonehouse for ITV/Britbox, which featured acclaimed actors Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes.
Additionally, Wood is serving as an executive producer on the feature film Hot Milk, based on the novel by Deborah Levy, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2025 and is set to release in the UK in May. This project showcases her ability to curate high-quality content rooted in satisfying narratives.
The adaptation of Pym's novels signifies a strategic move to tap into a growing audience for literary adaptations, especially those that reflect the complexities of British society and relationships through authentic and relatable characters. As viewers increasingly seek content that resonates with their experiences, adaptations like Wood's offer a fresh perspective on classic literature while honing in on the cultural sentiments that endure today.
In summary, the development deal with Banijay UK not only enhances Clearwood Films' capability to create engaging programming but also reflects Ellie Wood’s unique vision as a storyteller in today’s evolving entertainment industry. Through this partnership, she aims to make a significant impact by adapting stories that resonate with both existing fans and new audiences globally.
