Phoenix’s Katie Piper’s Weekend Escape is nominated in the Best Talk Show category at the National Reality TV Awards! This was an epic undertaking by a brilliant group of people who came together in such wonderful spirit. Thanks to Leanne Clarke at ITV for backing this, to the whole production team, every single guest and of course to the wonderful Katie Piper!
Murder: Point of Contact is a powerful and unique new series examining the role of Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) in murder investigations – an area rarely explored as the sole focus of a TV series. Featuring the Stephen Lawrence case with first-hand accounts from Dr Neville Lawrence OBE and former DC Fiona Wright, who supported the Lawrence family as their FLO, the series shines a light on a role that bridges families and investigations.
The series explores landmark cases and reveals how the FLO role has become a cornerstone of modern policing following the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, offering a nuanced view of how families and police navigate the aftermath of murder together. The series airs from 17th September.
The panel conversation took place at CrimeCon 2025 in London. Dr. Neville Lawrence - Stephen Lawrence’s father, and one of the Metropolitan Police Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) assigned to him, DC Fiona Wright joined Miles.
FLOs weren't formalised until after the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, which highlighted the break-down in relationship between the Metropolitan Police and the Lawrence family, partly due to the lack of training and experience of the original FLOs assigned to the case.
FLOs act as a crucial link between bereaved families and police investigation teams. They provide support and information but also gather critical investigative details in a sensitive and compassionate manner.
The session took the audience inside the case that set the course for how the police work with families at the worst possible time in their lives. It explored the challenges and the rewards of one of the most difficult jobs in policing.
Phoenix's short-form series Ex-Con Carpenters won "Best Interview Format" at the TellyCast Digital Awards. Huge thanks to Hearst Networks EMEA, Sam Pearson and Di Carter for backing the series. Amazing work on screen from Raphael and Taury Meade. Thanks to the production team and the brave contributors who shared their stories. Here's a photo of Sam picking up the award!
Phoenix has its first ITV commission. 'Katie Piper's Weekend Escape' is a 22x60' series that launches on Easter Sunday. Huge thanks to Leanne Clarke for backing us. We're so excited to be working with the brilliant Katie Piper!
Two of Phoenix’s shortform formats have been shortlisted in the TellyCast Digital Video Awards! Cut to the Crime - Best Original Factual Format and Ex-Con Carpenters - Best Interview Format.
Huge thanks to Sam Pearson, Diana Carter and Hearst Networks EMEA for commissioning and wonderful collaboration. Thanks to Raphael and Taury Meade and to James Busby. Thanks to the teams that brought the ideas to life and thanks to the contributors who bravely told their stories.
FilmRise has aligned with U.K.-based indie Phoenix Television to co-produce the new true-crime series Millionaire Murders. FilmRise will handle all distribution rights to Millionaire Murders in the U.S. and Canada. Each episode of the 10×60-minute series depicts a murder case where either the killer or the victim lived a life of wealth. The series features two cases from the U.K. and eight from the U.S., with each examined in forensic detail as investigators, family, friends and experts unpack how and why the murder happened and the police work that brought the perpetrator to justice.
Jonitha Keymoore, head of content for FilmRise, said: “True crime is one of FilmRise’s signature genres, and we are excited to be working with Phoenix Television on Millionaire Murders. This gripping new series explores the lengths some will go in pursuit of power and fortune.”
Jaimi West, founding partner of Phoenix Television, added: “Our true-crime programs have universal appeal, showcasing a blend of intrigue and innovation. We are thrilled to have FilmRise on board as a co-producer for Millionaire Murders, ensuring our commitment to high-quality standards across all our programs. This partnership will also help distribute the series to a wide audience, allowing viewers in North America to experience this one-of-a-kind show.”
Six of Phoenix's true crime documentaries will be airing on ITV1 from Friday 17th January at 9pm. First in the run is Murder: The Tattoo Clue.
When Missing Turns To Murder season 3 hit No.4 in the Netflix Top 10 - the highest non-scripted programme in the Top Ten!
Series 3 of Phoenix’s 10x60’ series ‘When Missing Turns To Murder’ drops on Netflix this Saturday – 16th November. As ever this is a powerful range of deeply personal stories, shared by families of victims and the professionals who strive for justice. This series continues to highlight so many important issues including domestic violence and the struggles within marginalised communities. It also proudly features a horrific case that helped establish the Violent and Sex Offenders Register. Our sincerest thanks to everyone who has contributed – on and off screen.
Phoenix has won a fourth series commission from True Crime with Millionaire Murders (10 x 60 mins), produced by Phoenix and represented for worldwide rights by Sphere Abacus.
Each episode of the 10-part series, which is currently in production for delivery in 2024, focuses on a high-profile murder in which either the killer or the victim was “mega-rich.”
The “gripping mix of luxury, glamour, greed, jealousy, revenge and lust exposes the sinister side of opulence,” featuring two cases from the UK and eight from the US. Each case is examined in “forensic detail,” as investigators, family, friends and experts unpack how and why the murder happened, and the police work that brought the perpetrator to justice.
Millionaire Murders follows three true-crime collaborations between Phoenix and True Crime. Earlier this year, Phoenix delivered Secrets of a Murder Detective (20 x 60 mins), in which former Scotland Yard homicide detective Steve Keogh reveals the reality of serving on the frontline of a murder investigation. Murder: Fight for the Truth (10 x 60 mins), which rolled out on True Crime in 2023, tells the stories of the ordinary American and British heroes who went beyond the call of duty to bring killers to justice. In 2021, Murder: First on Scene (10 x 60 mins), distributed by BossaNova Media, took an in-depth look at how UK and US investigators bring perpetrators to justice via 10 real-life murder cases.
Jaimi West, founding partner of Phoenix, said: “Our strong collaborative relationship with True Crime is hugely important to us, not least because it has resulted in three compelling true-crime series that continue to enthral, intrigue and grip viewers around the world. We’re strengthening our growing presence in the true-crime market whilst broadening our output in other genres.’
In July, the company announced the launch of two long-form true-crime formats developed from its hit short-form shows Cut to the Crime and Ex-Con Carpenters. Both new formats are original ideas evolved from digital commissions from A+E Networks EMEA.
Kate Middleton: A Life in Pictures is a 1x90' documentary that reveals the Princess of Wales's extraordinary Royal journey through a range of stunning iconic photos. It transmits on Channel 5 on Sunday 22nd September at 9pm.
A+E shows Cut to the Crime and Ex-Con Carpenters worked up into full-length titles - both available to produce.
Phoenix Television has developed long-form formats of its A+E Networks EMEA digital series Cut to the Crime and Ex-Con Carpenters. The UK non-scripted specialist indie has crafted the short-form titles into full-blown formats under a true crime sub-genre banner of “restorative justice”. Cut to the Crime, recently recommissioned by A+E for a second run, sees hairdresser James Busby turns his stylist’s chair into a confessional, guiding his contributor-clients through their first-hand experience of crime as he styles their hair. Half-hour format Justice: Restore and Rebuild – a pilot of which has been filmed – derives from Crime + Investigation’s 5 x 8-min series Ex-Con Carpenters and sees former convicts and victims of crime together in a restorative justice environment.
Phoenix leads the slate of digital commissions by A&E Networks EMEA with a recommission of short-form documentary series Cut to the Crime, in which master hairdresser James Busby turns his stylist chair into a confessional and listens to true crime survivors and reformed perpetrators confiding their deepest, darkest secrets.
The 10-part series, which was first commissioned last year as a mid-form piece, sees Busby guide his customers through a poignant chat that explores the profound impact their true crime experience has had on them, friends, families, and the wider public.
Season 2 will drop from Thursday 11th July 2024.
Cut To The Crime with hairdresser James Busby has been nominated in the Best Short-Form Category in the RTS Southern Awards. Huge thanks to James, the brilliant team as well as Sam Pearson, Di Carter and the team at A&E who live and breathe every second of this brilliant series. Special thanks to all those who share their stories.
3 of Phoenix's True Crime series have been nominated in this year's True Crime Awards in 4 categories. Testament to the brilliant production teams and the contributors brave enough to share their stories.
Outstanding Returning Series - WHEN MISSING TURNS TO MURDER (Netflix)
Impact For Change - WHEN MISSING TURNS TO MURDER (Netflix)
Outstanding New Series - CUT TO THE CRIME (A+E Networks)
Outstanding New Series - MURDER: FIGHT FOR THE TRUTH (True Crime)
LONDON – 6 February 2024– TRUE CRIME, the #1 factual entertainment channel in the UK amongst women 16+[1], part of a joint venture owned by AMC Networks International – UK and Paramount Global, announces the premiere of a new, expert-led true crime original series offering an insight into recent murder investigations. “Secrets of a Murder Detective” (10×60’) was produced by Phoenix Television and will premiere on 20th March in the UK.
The series, presented by former Scotland Yard Homicide Detective Inspector Steve Keogh, invites viewers into the intriguing realm of crime solving. With 30 years of experience under his belt including twelve years of service as a murder detective at the Metropolitan Police, Steve is opening up his contact books for the first time to reveal the secrets of what it really takes to be a murder detective on the frontline.
Each episode unfolds as a gripping narrative, with Steve setting the scene and tone of each murder case. The series takes viewers on an immersive journey through the crime and its investigation, from the beginning to the pivotal breakthrough leading to conviction. Steve provides unique and authentic insights into the intricate workings of investigations and the minds of detectives, bringing viewers into the heart of each case.
In the series, we’ll see Steve in conversation with leading officers on each case, as they share personal memories of the investigations. Additionally, viewers will also hear from key experts and family members for each case, as the investigation’s timeline is followed. Another key focus of the series is the use of modern investigative techniques and tools and the innovative ways experts on each case use these to solve the murders.
Cases include the story of soap actress Sian Blake and her two sons, who were murdered by her partner in 2015 and how the investigation evolved from a mid-risk missing person case to a homicide one. The series also explores the 2013 murder of 17-years-old Champion Ganda, who was a victim of a knife crime in East London. The episode gives viewers first-hand insight by Steve and other investigators who worked on the case, into the difficulties of similar cases with lack of leads and suspects. In another episode, viewers will learn more about Dena Thompson, known in the British press as ‘The Black Widow’ and the investigation into the deaths of her previous partners.
“Secrets of a Murder Detective” offers a riveting blend of suspense, education and celebration of exceptional detective work, providing viewers with a unique behind-the-scenes look at recent cases.
Sam Rowden, Vice President of Content and Production, AMC Networks International – UK, said: “’Secrets of a Murder Detective’ opens up modern day policing and specifically, murder investigation, to our audiences. Phoenix have excelled themselves creatively with this series, and Steve Keogh’s Steve’s expertise and compassionate commentary will captivate and engage audiences with the kind of compelling stories our viewers have come to expect from TRUE CRIME.
Jaimi West, founding partner at Phoenix Television, said: “This new series has been a real collaboration with Steve Keogh. Together with TRUE CRIME, we’ve created a unique programme that offers a fresh insight into the work of murder detectives and the cases they’re determined to solve”.
“Secrets of a Murder Detective” is the third Phoenix Television commission by TRUE CRIME. Phoenix previously produced “Murder: Fight for the Truth” and “Murder: First on Scene” for the channel.
“Secrets of a Murder Detective” will premiere on TRUE CRIME on 20th March at 10pm and will also be available to stream on WATCH FREE UK.
Working with our good friends Raph and Taury Meade, in each episode of this series a reformed criminal steps into their work shop to reveal their story and ask them for help to create a meaningful piece of woodwork for someone special. Launching on A+E EMEA Networks in 2024.
A+E Networks has ordered an extended second series of Royal Autopsy for Sky History.
Presented by Professor Alice Roberts, the 4 x 60-minute series will investigate the cause of death of Queen Anne, Queen Mary I, King Henry IV and King George IV. It follows the two-part first series which investigated the deaths of Queen Elizabeth I and King Charles II.
The executive producers are Miles Jarvis and Jaimi West for Phoenix and Melanie Darlaston for GroupM Motion Entertainment. The series is created, written and directed by Paul Olding.
Roberts said: “It’s such a unique historical approach to examine not just the key events of a monarch’s reign but actually how they lived and suffered as mere mortals. I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
Korn said: “This novel approach of combining contemporaneous historical accounts with practical demonstrations of post-mortems and present-day medical investigations has proved such a hit.”
Jarvis added: “Seamlessly bringing premium scripted drama, ‘as-real’ autopsy, and unfolding investigative narratives together is not a simple endeavour – especially when entirely based on fact. It’s a real team effort across so many different specialist areas of TV production.”
Super proud day for Phoenix. Our first digital, shorter-form crime series launches on Crime+Investigation with Hairdresser James Busby today.
Hair consultations with a twist. All clients are either a victim of crime, have a criminal past or work within the crime field. Thanks, as ever to everyone - on and off screen - who generously contributed to this powerful series.
For more info and how to watch the full episodes follow the links:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvXFvbat_Ho/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@jame.../video/7261907739733953818...
We are very proud to join forces with nine other independent television production companies to launch the Association of True Crime Producers. We’re one of the founding members to help establish best-practice guidelines for the genre. We feel privileged in sharing and telling these, often, heartbreaking stories, and we take pride in telling them well on behalf of the brave people who contribute and take part. Chaired by Kate Beal from Woodcut Media.
More can be found here
When Missing Turns To Murder season 2 dropped on Netflix on 14th June. In its first week it's hit no.3 in Netflix's Top Ten programmes.
Raph and TY Meade are East London carpenters who are on a mission to improve the lives of Brits for whom moving house isn’t an option and who need to make the most the space in their homes. Phoenix filmed an insert VT for BBC1’S Morning Live to show how great they, and their work are and it transmitted on 1st June – Raph’s birthday!
Our Clever Carpenters are experts at creating dual-use and smart storage solutions. They dream up and bring to life awesome ideas for projects like reimagining a child’s bedroom so three children can sleep in it with their own dedicated space, or transforming a junk room into a multi-purpose space that doubles up as an office and a guest bedroom with built-in storage for a growing family.
Raph and TY believe “There’s no such thing as can’t” and this is where they prove it.
Phoenix's Royal Autopsy series won Best Factual series at the RTS Southern Awards! Described as, "Innovative, intriguing and intelligent...a compelling watch". Thanks and well done to the whole team that brought this awesome series to life.
CBS Reality has commissioned the UK factual indie Phoenix Television to produce Murder: Fight for the Truth.
The 10×60’ series reveals the stories of “heroes who went the extra mile when the odds were stacked against them to crack murder cases and bring killers to justice.” The series features a different case each episode with four coming from the UK and six from the US including the British case of Julie Hogg whose mother changed an 800-year old double jeopardy law to convict her killer and the US case of 3-year old Ashley McLellan who was found dead in an outdoor pool – an on-scene fire captain knew it wasn’t an accidental death and was determined to prove it.
Every episode is authored by the hero who drove the search for justice and was instrumental in solving the case. Each episode concludes with the truth finally being unearthed and a killer is convicted.
Sam Rowden, Vice President of Content and Production, AMC Networks International – UK, said, “Murder: Fight for the Truth has a unique perspective on murder cases because it allows us to champion and celebrate the work of extraordinary people – both professionals and family members – who were determined to solve the murder case they were involved with, and get justice. This new series underscores our commitment to delivering compelling original true crime programming on CBS Reality in the UK.”
Jaimi West, founding partner at Phoenix, said, “This highly emotive and deeply personal series reveals how brave, determined and passionate people were compelled to embark on their own fight for the truth, and get it.”
Murder: Fight for the Truth is Phoenix’s fifth in the crime space and its second CBS Reality commission, having previously produced the 10×60’ ratings hit Murder: First on Scene.
Murder: Fight for the Truth is co-funded and distributed internationally by Abacus Media Rights.
Phoenix lands true crime show at Netflix
Factual indie, Phoenix Television, has landed a Netflix order for the new season of its true crime show, When Missing Turns to Murder.
Netflix has acquired the 10×60’ series after the first season of the show aired in 2022 earning the show the number two position in its top ten ranking at launch. This new series features one British case per episode and will first air on Netflix in the UK, US, Canada, Sub-Saharan Africa, Benelux and Nordics on Wednesday 19th April. The deal was brokered by Abacus Media Rights and is financed by Great Point Media.
When Missing Turns to Murder reveals what happens in a police investigation and to the family at its heart when a loved one goes missing and then they get the worst possible news.
Miles Jarvis, founding partner at Phoenix said, “Viewer feedback from season one of When Missing Turns to Murder was hugely supportive of the families who take part. It’s an honour and huge responsibility to have the opportunity and trust to tell the stories of these ten new families and the police officers who worked with them. The contributors we work with take part to help stop such horrors happening again. In this series, their brave testimony highlights issues including coercive behaviour, domestic violence and relocation of paedophiles in communities.”’
This latest commission is Phoenix’s fourth in the crime genre following CBS Ratings hit, the 10×60’ series Murder: First on Scene and RTS Southern Award-winning BBC documentary Murder in Soho: Who Killed Freddie Mills? Phoenix’s specialist factual slate is also growing with its ground-breaking Sky History series Royal Autopsy – fronted by Prof Alice Roberts – which premiered this week.
Jaimi and Miles celebrated five years of Phoenix last night, thanking everyone for being part of the journey so far and kicking off the next chapter with our rebrand.
Phoenix and Motion Content Group are producing a ground-breaking 2x60' Sky HISTORY series presented by Professor Alice Roberts. The episodes investigate the cause of death of two of Britain’s most famous monarchs: Queen Elizabeth I and King Charles II, in an entirely new and realistic way.
Alice brings together a blend of historical and medical expertise and by using contemporaneous accounts and documents piece together how and why these monarchs died.
Each investigation follows an autopsy conducted by Home Office pathologist Dr Brett Lockyer which will use a unique combination of prosthetic bodies, actors, and ethically sourced animal organs to reveal how each of the monarchs perished. Forensic analysis and toxicology testing is used to determine whether there is any evidence of foul play in each case.
Based on the evidence from their unique in-depth investigations, Professor Alice Roberts and Dr Brett Lockyer will reveal what they believe really killed King Charles II and Queen Elizabeth I, over 300 years ago.
Our 10×60′ powerful, forensic and highly emotional series was binge-watched by so many people on Netflix that it hit No.2 in their Top Ten programmes. Originally broadcast on A&E’s Crime & Investigation its second outing smashed it, thank you to everyone who made this powerful series happen.
The strength of our True Crime slate has been recognised again with “Murder: First on Scene” being selected by Real Crime Magazine’s Annual as one of the best true crime series of 2021.