Sherlock executive producer and Hartswood Films founder Beryl Vertue is to be given the inaugural lifetime achievement prize at this year’s Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival awards.
Vertue – who has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment including Kirk Douglas, Spike Milligan, Frankie Howerd, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Clunes – has also recently co-produced BBC1’s forthcoming adaptation of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, written and directed by Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio.
She will be presented with the gong at the festival awards ceremony on 27 August in recognition for the impact she has made on the television industry.
As part of the introduction of the new award, Vertue will also give a keynote address during the festival.
Vertue said: “I am delighted to be honoured with such a prestigious award, and much looking forward to receiving it at the Edinburgh television festival, one of my favourite events.”
Festival director Lisa Campbell, said: “The theme for 2015’s Festival is ‘Talent’, and we feel that as a legendary producer and businesswoman who has worked with some of the biggest names in television for more than 50 years, Beryl is one of the ultimate names in global talent and we are delighted that she will be able to accept this prestigious award in the festival’s 40th year.”
The festival has also announced a second new award category this year, for best online innovation.
