About

Mermaid Pictures - established by Sara Gibbings and Jo Southwell for the development and production of a joint scripted slate.

Sara Gibbings : Producer

Sara has over 20 years experience in international production, making over 150 hours film, TV and online content. Sara is a former Head of Production for 4 movie channels at Vía Digital, Spain and now runs Troy TV in Bristol, as well as co-founding Mermaid Pictures with Jo Southwell.

She works across both scripted and unscripted for broadcasters and streamers including BBC, Netlfix, Apple TV+, Disney+, Channel 4, Travel Channel, Smithsonian Channel, RTVE and over the years has been fortunate to work with on screen talent including Ryan Reynolds, U2, Sir Trevor McDonald, Sir Christopher Lee and many more.

Jo Southwell : Director | Writer

I am an innovative filmmaker working in TV and Film. Having trained in continuing drama, shooting up to 21 pages a day and always meeting the schedule; I bring a problem solving approach to my work. Open to new tech, ideas and collaboration, I seek to find the most efficient, creative and original means to direct a story that feels authentic and impactful for the audience. I have worked with both new and established actors from India Mullen in Deirdre to Jenny Agutter in Call the Midwife.

Human led, emotionally driven stories lay the foundations of my work. Story is key.