Suzanne Mackie, one of the U.K.’s pre-eminent drama executives, has left “The Crown” producer Left Bank Pictures to set up her own independent production company, Orchid Pictures.
Mackie has been a key architect of “The Crown’s” success from the very beginning, playing a key part in shepherding the Golden Globe-winning show’s first four seasons and working closely with writer Peter Morgan. She will continue as an executive producer on the show for its forthcoming seasons 5 and 6.
Based in London, Mackie’s Orchid Pictures will work across television and film. She will also continue working with Netflix through Orchid Pictures, although specific terms of the deal with the streamer are still unclear.
Said Mackie: “Having spent 12 very happy and creatively fulfilling years working with Andy Harries and the team at Left Bank Pictures, starting my own company felt like an exciting next chapter in my career. The opportunity of further deepening my collaboration with Netflix presented an immensely exciting opportunity.
“I am delighted that I can continue the onward journey of ‘The Crown’ with Peter Morgan, Left Bank Pictures and the rest of ‘The Crown’ team whilst building Orchid Pictures; ‘The Crown’ has become a significant part of my life.”
Mackie added that Sky drama executive Hannah Campbell will also join Orchid. “[Hannah] and I have high hopes for Orchid Pictures and the prospect of working with Netflix to create a bespoke slate of projects — from emerging and established talent — which reflect our passion, vision and taste,” said Mackie.
Mackie joined Left Bank Pictures in 2009 and was promoted to creative director in 2012. Apart from “The Crown,” she developed and executive produced four seasons of BAFTA-nominated Sky One drama “Mad Dogs,” which was adapted in the U.S. for Amazon Prime Video. She also executive produced BBC One’s “The Replacement” and the forthcoming Netflix six-part drama “Behind Her Eyes.”
The executive recently originated and produced the feature film “Misbehaviour” for Pathe, directed by Philippa Lowthorpe and starring Keira Knightly, Jessie Buckley and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Other film credits at Left Bank include Ayub Khan Din’s “All In Good Time,” directed by Nigel Cole, and Clio Barnard’s “Dark River.”
Before joining Left Bank, Mackie was a development executive at Harbour Pictures and, prior to that, worked for BBC Drama Serials. After striking a first-look deal with Buena Vista International, Mackie originated and produced her first feature film, the award winning “Calendar Girls” (2003), and produced “Kinky Boots” for Miramax in 2006.
Mackie is an active member of the National Film and Television School, BFI, RTS and BAFTA.
Andy Harries, CEO of Left Bank Pictures, added: “I have enjoyed an amazing journey with Suzanne, from ‘Mad Dogs’ to ‘Misbehaviour’ with lots of ‘The Crown’ on top! She is smart, wise and has great taste. I have no doubt she will create some classy new shows for Netflix as well as riding sidesaddle with us on ‘The Crown.’”