THE COMMISSIONER
Kim Shillinglaw, BBC, science and natural history
The BBC’s commissioning editor for science and natural history is investing in developing programmes that will take viewers on an unexpected journey.
Emma Swain, BBC Knowledge
Her team has inspired the public to start baking and buy telescopes - and her budget is one of the BBC’s biggest. Catherine Neilan speaks to the controller of Knowledge commissioning.
James Hunt, Sky Arts
Sky Arts director James Hunt wants to polish Sky’s ‘gem’ by signing up top talent and ordering ‘surprising’ content. And he wants indies to share his ambition.
Adam MacDonald, AETN
A+E Networks UK’s vice-president of programming says the group’s four channels have more in common than many people think – and he’s hoping to do some cross-pollination.
Elaine Pyke, Sky Atlantic HD
Sky Atlantic’s director wants to beef up the channel’s staple diet of acquisitions with original content. She tells Alex Farber about forgoing ratings winners for more ‘grown-up telly’.
Louise Brown, multiplatform, C4
C4’s multiplatform commissioning lead has been charged with finding innovative ways to get viewers involved in its campaigns through apps and online projects.
Paul Eedle, Al Jazeera English
AJE’s director of programming challenges the stereotype of the Qatar-based broadcaster as focused on the Middle East. “We’re changing the way the world is reported.”
Jo Twist, Channel 4
Just 18 months into the job, Jo Twist has become the driving force of C4 Education. But she’s relishing the challenge as she plans a push into primetime.
Nerys Evans, Channel 4
With more money to spend this year and potentially a new 9pm primetime slot, C4’s comedy commissioning editor is on the lookout for a broad range of talent.
David Booth and Kerry Taylor, MTV
Following its shift up the Sky EPG, MTV’s senior execs are on the hunt for ob docs, fact ent, scripted and structured reality series that can deliver on a global scale.
Mark Bell, arts, BBC
Despite the threat of cuts, it’s business as usual for the BBC’s arts commissioner - with ideas for BBC3 and more partnerships high on his wishlist.
Jan Younghusband, music and events, BBC
The BBC’s commissioning editor for music wants to give viewers a more ‘immersive’ experience - and indies without a background in the genre shouldn’t be put off.
