ITV Studios has tapped NBCUniversal’s international production VP Mike Beale for a newly created post as director of international formats.
Beefing up overseas activity is a big priority for ITV chief exec Adam Crozier, and Beale will be key to that effort.
He will work with ITV Studios’ international production companies and distrib ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) to oversee the international management of ITV Studios’ originated and acquired formats.
ITVS GE will continue to license formats in territories where the business lacks a production presence, led by Tobias de Graaff, director of global TV distribution.
ITV Studios managing director Kevin Lygo said, “We’ve already produced several pilots this year and, with many more in the pipeline, there’s a clear need for a dedicated international formats expert to ensure we exploit promising new ideas to their full potential.”
Beale’s departure from NBCU reps the latest high-profile exit from its London office since the Comcast takeover, following prexy Peter Smith and international channels topper Roma Khanna.
