Endemol Shine Australia appoints LA-based development chief

Banijay Entertainment’s Endemol Shine Australia (ESA) has appointed Dan Cazzola to an LA-based role overseeing development as the Sydney-based operation looks to expand its international reach.

Cazzola, who was most recently consulting for Sister-backed North American prodco Yes Yes Media, becomes senior vice president of development and reports into ESA’s creative director, Elliot Spencer.

He will lead the expansion of ESA’s English-language originals slate for the US and global markets, developing “big, bold and dynamic IP” the label said.

The aim is to build on ESA’s expertise gained from retooling unscripted formats such as Married At First Sight Australia, MasterChef Australia and LEGO Masters Australia.

ESA is also behind original formats ranging from The Summit - produced locally for Nine and remade by CBS in the US and ITV in the UK - as well as Stan and Channel 4’s Love Triangle.

Prior to working at LA-based Yes Yes Media, Cazzola was senior vice president of unscripted development at Endemol Shine North America, working on shows including Deal or No Deal Island and Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge.

He also oversaw US adaptations of Banijay Entertainment formats such as LEGO Masters for Fox and Would I Lie To You? for The CW.

Peter Newman, chief executive officer at ESA, said Cazzola’s “exceptional creative vision and proven ability for working with broadcast partners to deliver major original series makes him an outstanding addition to the team.”

Cazzola added: “ESA has the best creative team in the business, and I’ve always admired the work they do. Being back at Banijay and working with ESA on their ambitious growth strategy in the US and internationally to build standout original content is incredibly exciting.”

Australia’s domestic TV and streaming industry has been facing a turbulent time recently, with Nine overhauling its business and cutting jobs last year, and sports-focused DAZN buying out Foxtel.

Other changes have seen Seven’s long-standing exec Angus Ross departing following the merger between Southern Cross Media and Seven’s owner, Seven West Media, while the future of Ten is uncertain following its acquisition by US studio Paramount last year.