US-based Mark Linsey to focus on expanding commissions out of LA
BBC Studios Productions is looking for a new London-based scripted chief amid a reshuffle that will see Mark Linsey focusing on expanding the company’s output in LA.
The rejig will see Linsey, who has been based out of the US since 2023, taking on the newly created role of president of LA Scripted for BBCS Productions as it looks to secure more US commissions and build on adaptations of UK titles such as Ghosts for CBS.
At the same time, a search has begun for a new London-based managing director of scripted.
Broadcast International understands the incoming UK exec will be the primary lead for BBC Studios Productions Scripted and will assume responsibility for BBCS’s drama and comedy production units. Titles under those umbrellas range from Death Valley, Trying and Inside No.9, to Mammoth, Silent Witness, Father Brown and EastEnders.
The remit will also include oversight of majority-owned labels Clerkenwell Films, Baby Cow Productions, Firebird Pictures, House Productions, Lookout Point, and Sid Gentle Films, as well as invested indies, Boffola, VAL, Expectation and Turbine Studios.
The successful candidate will report into BBCS Productions chief exec and chief creative officer Zai Bennett, as will Linsey.
It is understood Reesby Keeling Consulting is conducting the exec search, with Linsey remaining in post during the recruitment process.
Linsey’s tenure in charge of the UK output has seen shows including Good Omens, Sherwood, Baby Reindeer and Conclave making their ways to screen.
Bennett told Broadcast International the reshuffle was part of a strategy to expand scripted output domestically and in the US, adding that the incoming new role was being created to “take our UK scripted business into its next chapter”.
He added: “Mark’s move to solely focus on Los Angeles reflects an ambition to double down on our scripted growth plans in the US, 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.”
The restructure is the latest move from Bennett, who took over as BBCS Productions chief exec and chief creative officer last year, as revealed by Broadcast.
He has already overhauled its unscripted and international operations with an expanded role for factual chief Kate Ward and “investment” into Matt Forde’s team.
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