Elisabeth Murdoch & Former Bebo CEO Form Online Venture

September 17, 2009 World Screen

LONDON: Elisabeth Murdoch, the chairman and chief executive of the Shine Group, is teaming up with former head of Bebo, Joanna Shields, to launch a new digital-media venture.

 
The digital production company, which is yet to be named, will combine traditional television production with the reach, power and engagement of social media. It will alsoseek to pioneer new methods and formats for storytelling, viewer engagement and the monetizing of original content, while driving the online exploitation of Shine Group content.
 
As head of Bebo, Shields was a pioneer in online drama with the groundbreaking series KateModern, produced by Miles Beckett. It played out in real time and allowed viewers to talk about the show and influence future plots. Shields will be chief executive of the new joint venture with Shine and will sit on the Shine Group advisory board.
 
Since launching in 2001, Shine has acquired some of the most successful independent production companies in the U.K, including Kudos and Princess Productions, as well as the U.S. production and distribution company Reveille, producer of Ugly Betty and The Biggest Loser. Most recently Shine has expanded its production operations in Australia, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Shine product includes Merlin, Life on Mars, MasterChef and Ashes to Ashes.

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