After founding Richard Price Television Associates (RPTA) in 1968, Richard oversaw the growth and development of a company that eventually became the Primetime group in 1980. Responsible for more than 7,500 hours of programming, it was the largest independent television producer in the UK.
Its most garlanded production was Trevor Nunn’s filmed RSC production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (1982), which was nominated for five BAFTAs and won two. The production also won an Emmy for Outstanding Limited Series and was nominated a further six times. Primetime also produced such stage-to-screen adaptations as Othello (1990), Re:Joyce! A Celebration of the Work of Joyce Grenfell (1991) and Porgy & Bess (1993), and drama series including the multi BAFTA-winning Fortunes of War (1987).
Richard reunited with Nunn to bring the RSC’s Oklahoma! (1999) to cinema screens, as well as The Merchant of Venice (2001), King Lear (2008) and many more. He was also involved in developing the stage production of Mamma Mia!, which built on its considerable London stage success with a smash-hit film in 2008.
Richard’s work was recognised by his peers in an industry he served with dedication and distinction. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Television Society in 1986 and later served as BAFTA Chair between 1991 and 1993. He was also Chair of independent production and distribution group DCD Media between 2000 and 2004, before being made Board Director until 2008, when he was made President Emeritus.
Another significant part of Richard’s professional life was as an enthusiastic charitable fundraiser, most notably for the Hft, which raises awareness of and funds for adults with learning disabilities across the UK, where he served as Patron and Vice-Chair. He was also involved in the television writers’ charity, TAPS.
