BBC Studios exec joins UIS to lead commercial deals

Universal International Studios (UIS) has hired a BBC Studios exec to work across its co-productions, financing and licensing deals, Broadcast International has learned.

Holly Mellors becomes senior vice-president of business and legal affairs at Beatrice Springborn-led UIS and will oversee commercial arrangements for shows from the studio’s international companies.

The NBCUniversal-owned division is home to UK producers including The Day of the Jackal firm Carnival Films, Too Much outfit Working Title Television, and The Capture prodco Heyday Television.

It also houses Australia’s Matchbox Pictures, is a backer of Tony Ayres Productions (Clickbait), and has struck co-production and deficit-financing deals for third-party series ranging from One Day with Drama Republic and Playground Entertainment’s The Undeclared War to upcoming The Dream Lands with Sister Pictures.

Mellors will advise on UIS’s growth strategy, working with the wider US-based Universal Television Entertainment (UTE) team in the new role.

She is based out of London and reports to UTE’s global head of business affairs Blossom Lefcourt, as well as general counsel Marni Pedorella, and joins following the exit of Kate Zarmalwal earlier this year.

Mellors has spent seven years at BBC Studios, where she was most recently director of business and legal affairs for its eight scripted indie labels, working on all commercial deals including deficit financing and equity investment schemes.

Prior to BBCS, she worked for Tiger Aspects Productions and Hat Trick Productions.

“Holly brings a wealth of experience, strategic acumen and a global perspective that aligns perfectly with our international studio’s ambitions,” Lefcourt told Broadcast International.

“As we continue to expand our global footprint, her leadership will be critical in driving creative and forward-thinking dealmaking and ensuring our legal operations remain best-in-class.”

Mellors added: “I am thrilled to be joining the exceptional team at Universal International Studios, working alongside Blossom and Marni to drive the business forward and deliver on its worldwide ambitions.”