Blue House Studios Ignites Comedy Surge With Shaunna O’Brien’s Bold Plan

Blue House Productions, the indie studio behind the BBC comedy *Small Prophets*, has hired former Sister executive Shaunna O’Brien as its Development Producer. O’Brien will scout and develop original projects for the Manchester‑based label.

The hire comes as Blue House ramps up a slate of comedy and comedy‑drama titles, with more details to follow.

Blue House, run by Gavin & Stacey director Christine Gernon and former BBC Studios LA VP Emma Strain, officially announced its launch this month. The company was one of the indie partners that helped get *Small Prophets*—now a top‑rated series sold to Apple TV—to international success.

Season 2 of the Mackenzie Crook–produced show, starring Pearce Quigley as an eccentric man creating magical spirits, will soon roll cameras.

O’Brien’s move from Liz Murdoch and Jane Featherstone’s Sister follows a career that spanned the north of England, working on shows like the BBC’s *The Split Up*. Her experience in developing region‑specific content positions her to help Blue House carve out distinctive voices in comedy.

The studio’s current projects span multiple sub‑genres, with further announcements slated for the coming weeks.

## Background & Context

Blue House’s foundation rests on a blend of proven creative leadership and fresh industry talent. Christine Gernon, whose work on *Gavin & Stacey* earned her a reputation for sharp humor, pairs with Emma Strain, who brings decades of executive experience from BBC Studios LA.

Together, they aim to build a production house that nurtures bold ideas and delivers polished content.

The studio’s mission is articulated by Gernon and Strain: “We are serious about making great comedy with brilliant people and built Blue House Productions to be a home for those exceptional people to come and do their best work, knowing they’ll be properly backed,” they said.

Their commitment signals an invitation to writers, actors, and creators who want a supportive environment to bring fresh narratives to life.

## What’s Next for Blue House

With O’Brien on board, Blue House anticipates expanding its original content pipeline. Her mandate is to spot talent and projects that fit the studio’s comedy‑drama niche, potentially accelerating the launch of new series in 2025.

The studio has already teased a few titles, promising that audiences will soon see fresh voices and unconventional storytelling styles.

The company’s formal launch this month marks its entry into the competitive indie market, with plans to attract creatives looking for a reliable backer. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Crook’s *Small Prophets* Season 2 will begin filming soon, adding momentum to Blue House’s growing portfolio and underscoring its commitment to high‑quality comedy.

Blue House’s new development executive signals a bold push toward original comedy, positioning the studio as a potential launchpad for fresh stories. As O’Brien begins her search, the industry will watch to see which projects rise from this partnership.