Lime Pictures has appointed Lee Rayner as new Head of Production for Hollyoaks.
Rayner joins from Coronation Street, where he is Head of Production. The move will see him join forces again with Hollyoaks Executive Producer Hannah Cheers, having worked together at Coronation Street.
Lee Rayner said: “I am thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure at Lime Pictures as Head of Production for Hollyoaks and helping to deliver such an engaging high-end drama.
“I’m also very excited to reunite once again with the incredibly talented Hannah Cheers and really looking forward to getting to know and working with the production team, who have an industry-wide reputation as highly-skilled filmmakers.
“I will also miss Coronation Street, my 13 years with the programme has flown by and I have loved working on such an iconic show and working alongside such talented and passionate people.”
Lime Pictures MD, John Whittle, said: “Continuing drama is a fantastic genre to work in and its production model is crucial to its success.
“We are delighted that Lee is coming to us from a much-loved programme, as well-oiled as Coronation Street, at delivering ambitious drama with a tightly moving schedule.
“Lee also brings a background in prime-time drama which is a bonus, as unlike other soaps Hollyoaks is filmed single-camera, which brings a different look and feel to it and is hugely valued by the younger-skewed audience.
“We welcome him aboard in an exciting year, as we approach the 30th anniversary in autumn.”
Rayner started his career in Lloyd’s of London before navigating into the world of TV, quickly scaling the AD ladder on numerous productions, before becoming the Production Scheduler on The Bill until its end in 2010.
He joined Coronation Street as Production Scheduler / 1st AD in 2011 and was made Production Manager 18 months later. Other credits include two series as Production Manager on Death in Paradise for the BBC.
Outgoing Director of Production Colette Chard will step aside from Hollyoaks after a second integral ten year- tenure on the soap.
Chard will next head-up a new Lime Pictures drama kids production, beginning in Spring.
