David O’Donoghue becomes latest senior recruit amid French company’s global push
Former Universal International Studios (UIS) exec David O’Donoghue has joined France’s Studio TF1 (fka Newen Studios), as part of its increasing focus on global markets.
O’Donoghue has been appointed exec vice-president of international at the HPI producer and is based out of London, reporting to chief exec Pierre Branco.
He will be responsible for working with the group’s production companies that operate across 11 markets and lead Studio TF1’s global IP strategy.
His remit also includes oversight of co-productions and business development opportunities worldwide in collaboration with the wider group.
O’Donoghue was most recently chief operating officer at trans-Atlantic management and production outfit 42, which he joined in 2024.
Before that, he was head of studio for UIS, overseeing the division’s business operations and working across its co-production business in the UK and Europe.
O’Donoghue was also previously chief operating officer and then joint managing director at Downton Abbey producer Carnival Films, having had a stint as exec vice-president of business affairs at UIS.
Branco said: “David’s experience with major players like Universal Studios and Carnival Films, along with his in-depth knowledge of the English and American media markets, will be invaluable in accelerating our international expansion and IP strategy.
“His arrival underscores Studio TF1’s ambition to further establish itself as a global leader in the media industry.”
O’Donoghue added: “The opportunity to collaborate with the studio’s outstanding producers across Europe, Canada and the US is truly unique, and I look forward to working with the teams in Paris and beyond as we continue to build an ambitious and international slate.”
His arrival follows a restructure at Studio TF1 in April that saw its senior distribution team being reshuffled under current chief distribution officer, Rodolphe Buet. Camille Dupeuble took on the new role of executive vice-president of international TV and digital distribution, while Karine Lejeune was named exec vice-president for French-speaking TV and film distribution.
The rejig followed the exit of commercial chief Leona Connell, who left the company at the beginning of the year amid a refocusing of its operations, as revealed by Broadcast International.
Branco said earlier this year that he wanted to expand the company’s film output and leverage the TF1 brand oversees, with the US of particular interest. The company wants to start distributing its own productions in France from 2026 and plans to double film production by 2027, targeting 10–15 films per year.
Studio TF1 sells more than 20,000 hours of programming and has been behind shows including TF1 comedic detective series HIP (High Intellectual Potential), Apple TV+ original Liaison, Paramount+ UK returner The Serial Killer’s Wife, Amazon Prime Video war epic Dark Hearts, and breakout TF1 manga remake Cat’s Eyes.
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