BBC Studios combines Formats area
September 19, 2023
BBC Studios is merging its three Formats areas and fully integrating its worldwide network of production bases to create a new Global Entertainment business that will offer a single face to the market.
BBC says that combining these teams will “empower the creation and international expansion of new formats and continue to build and grow the hugely successful British versions of shows made by BBC Studios’ thriving UK production units”.
Global Entertainment will also house the company’s invested indies Mothership Productions and Mettlemouse Entertainment and continue to work closely with indie partners including Magnum Media, Final Straw Productions, Rebel Rebel Pictures and Hungry Bear Media.
The new business will be led by Matt Forde who will assume the role of Managing Director, Global Entertainment. Forde is currently MD for International Productions and Formats and will retain this responsibility. Hannah Wyatt and Suzy Lamb will continue to lead the UK based Factual Entertainment and Events and Entertainment and Music teams as Managing Directors respectively, reporting into Forde and working closely with him to create a leadership board for the new business.
Forde has overseen BBC Studios’ International Productions and Formats business outside the UK since 2018 and in the last three years the business has more than doubled, with wholly owned bases in the US, India, France, Germany, Australia, South Africa and most recently the Nordics. Some of the most successful shows during this period include Dancing With The Stars, The Great Bake Off and The 1% Club – as well as scripted format hits such as Ghosts, Doctor Foster and Luther.
Ralph Lee, Chief Executive Officer, BBC Studios Productions, commented: “Taking our Formats success to another level is key to our long term growth and this move is in response to the substantial changes in the global market where there’s a very high demand for more familiar and trusted brands. Matt’s track-record in recognising the global appeal of our shows and overseeing their successful adoption by partners in multiple territories is second to none, and I’m delighted he’s agreed to lead this new business.”
Forde added: “As the Global Entertainment market continues to evolve at pace bringing our UK businesses into the centre of what we do will help us to continue creating, selling and adapting the best shows and brands from the UK working with the amazing talent in our local BBC Studios offices to deliver the next generation of entertainment and reality programmes to the world.”
The new business will start operating from October 1st.