Neil Peplow is taking over as head of production at UK National Lottery franchise The Film Consortium, replacing Julie Baines with immediate effect.

Peplow recently produced Mike Bassett: England Manager and The Abduction Club. He was co-producer on Waking Ned and Shooting Fish, working with Richard Holmes, the former managing director of the franchise's parent, Civilian Content.

"Neil is an experienced producer, respected in the Industry," said Chris Auty, managing director of Civilian. "He brings with him energy, verve and an eye for commercial opportunity."

Projects in advanced development at the company include Stefan Schwartz's comedy The Best Man, Michael Bassett's untitled horror, Peter Howitt's The Other Half and Vincent Ward's The River Queen. Currently in post are Christian Levring's The Intended and Michael Winterbottom's Untitled 2002.