Factual Fiction co-founder Chamoun Issa has left the company to pursue new partnerships with breakthrough writing talent.
Issa formed the indie in 2020 with his former DSP colleague Emily Dalton, plus Tom Dalton and Patrick Irwin and held the role of head of development.
The company, which is backed through Channel 4’s Emerging Indie Fund, had a sustainability and diversity focus, labelling itself “the UK’s first off-grid production company”.
It is behind Channel 5 crime drama Murder Most Puzzling, Prime Video’s The Greatest Show Never Made and #DorianGray, a 12-part reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s novel created and co-written Issa and writer and poet Maiya John in development with ZDF Studios.
Issa also developed youth comedy The Benefits of Disabled Sex with writer Sonny Howes.
At DSP, he developed the factual company’s scripted slate, kicking off with Agatha and the Truth of Murder, a drama he originated, developed and executive produced that was sold to 139 territories and played in the UK on Channel 5.
Having helped to nurture and champion a diverse range of rising talent, Issa plans to continue developing original voices.
“Pairing a new writer with their first major project is thrilling, and I’m excited to bring this focus to the kind of companies that have strong relationships with broadcasters and streamers as I begin this next chapter.”
Issa added: “As a disabled creator championing new and unheard voices, this is not only a personal passion but the work I want to devote myself to.
“Growing up in Beirut during the Civil War, film and television were both an escape and a way to make sense of the world. That has always been my connection to storytelling. The kind of originality I respond to often comes from talents who have not yet been heard.”
Regarding Factual Fiction's sustainability and diversity ethos, he added: "That mission shaped our slate and attracted real industry attention. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together and I will be cheering the team on.”
