Mark Linsey Pivots To L.A. As BBC Studios Seeks New Scripted Chief
Mark Linsey, BBC Studios’ scripted man in L.A., is to focus on the U.S. full time as BBC Studios seeks a global scripted MD. Linsey is pivoting to a dedicated role spearheading BBC Studios’ scripted growth in L.A, which has included the hit adaptation of CBS’ Ghosts. He has been in L.A. since 2023 and will remain in post during the recruitment process. His place overseeing scripted strategy globally will be taken by a new drama and comedy supremo, with BBC Studios Productions boss Zai Bennett now kicking off the process to find the candidate. BBC Studios runs drama and comedy in-house teams along with owning indies like Baby Reindeer producer Clerkenwell, Steve Coogan’s Baby Cow and House Productions. Bennett said: “Mark’s move to solely focus on Los Angeles reflects an ambition to double down on our scripted growth plans in the U.S., whilst we continue to invest in and support our exceptional UK producers and labels. I want to pay tribute to him for the incredible leadership he has shown over the last 5 years in scripted, delivering bold, distinctive, and award-winning drama and comedy titles.” Bennett, who was connected with the top BBC content job, recently reshuffled the unscripted team with an expanded role for factual boss Kate Ward while Karl Warner and Suzy Lamb took charge of reality and entertainment.
Boss Of Dutch Broadcaster To Run Banijay Benelux
The head of Dutch pubcaster KRO-NCRV is joining Banijay Entertainment to run the super-indie’s Benelux biz. Sandra Hilster takes over from Peter Lubbers, whose exit emerged last week. Hilster will run Banijay’s 10-label Benelux portfolio, overseeing shows including local versions of Big Brother, Deal or No Deal and Survivor. She joins from KRO-NCRV, where she had oversight of nearly 300 productions. Prior to that, she spent 13 years operating her own business – Silverlining Media – which concentrated on media consultancy, format development and sales. Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti said: “With a career spanning production and broadcasting, across some of the Netherlands’ leading media companies, Sandra’s CV is unrivalled. And, having spent 13 years at the helm of her own operation, not only is she well-aligned with the entrepreneurial DNA that underpins Banijay Entertainment, but is well-equipped to drive this portfolio of ten labels through a new phase of growth and innovation.” Banijay hired Lubbers in summer 2020, at which point it combined regions to form Benelux.
UKTV Content Boss Richard Watsham Exiting After 14 Years
UKTV content boss Richard Watsham is exiting the BBC Studios-owned network after 14 years. Watsham will exit his Chief Creative Officer and Global Director of Acquisitions for BBC Studios/UKTV post in September, with successor news coming in due course. He joined UKTV in 2011 and was appointed to his current roles in 2022, with hits including Taskmaster, which moved to Channel 4, Emma Willis: Delivering Babies and the recent Bergerac reboot. Watsham is also Chair of the Creative Diversity Network, which monitors and promotes representation in the British TV industry. UKTV boss Marcus Arthur said: “Richard’s contribution to UKTV has been immense. His creative vision and leadership have transformed the reputation and scope of UKTV’s content, delivering hits that have delighted and grown our audiences.” Watsham added: “Our resources are leaner compared to some of our competitors, but we have punched above our weight over and over again due to the passion and brilliant expertise of my colleagues at UKTV. They are second to none in the British TV industry; underestimate them at your peril. I will miss them daily, but I have no doubt our paths will cross again in the future.”
Nukhufest Expands Admissions To Mark 10th Anniversary
Nukhufest will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year and is offering filmmakers complimentary entry to celebrate the milestone. Filmmakers can submit short or feature films, documentaries, music videos, narrative commercials, and experimental films by August 20. The festival has said it welcomes submissions from filmmakers whose projects have recently completed traditional festival circuits and seek theatrical or Academy-qualifying campaigns, creators who prefer bypassing the conventional circuit, and filmmakers whose projects have been stalled due to distribution deals or sales agreements. The top 10 finalists will be announced August 31, and the winner will be determined live during Nukhufest’s in-person festival on September 27th in Lower Manhattan.
The post Mark Linsey Pivots To L.A. As BBC Studios Seeks New Scripted Chief; Banijay Benelux Boss; UKTV Content Head Richard Watsham Exiting; Nukhufest Expands Admissions – Global Briefs appeared first on Deadline.
