Julian Bellamy to Serve as Creative Head for DNI

SILVER SPRING: Discovery Networks International (DNI) has hired Julian Bellamy, formerly the head of Channel 4, for the newly created role of creative director and head of production and development.

Bellamy takes up the new London-based post on June 1. He will lead commissioning teams in London as well as the production and development for all original programming for Western Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. This means overseeing the executive production and development of all local and international commissions across DNI’s portfolio of more than 100 networks. In this new role, Bellamy will report to Luis Silberwasser, the executive VP and chief content officer of the division.

“Julian Bellamy is a world-class creative talent with a tremendous depth of experience in developing successful global content in both the factual and entertainment space. His leadership skills and strong relationships in the international production community will further our success as we continue to invest in new content,” said Silberwasser. “He will be instrumental in delivering ratings success for Discovery Channel, TLC and the dozens of brands that comprise DNI’s global portfolio reaching more than one billion households outside the U.S.”   
 
“I have always been a huge admirer of Discovery and its commitment to outstanding, high-quality programming,” added Bellamy. “This role is a huge opportunity for me to help Discovery Networks make an even bigger impact on the global marketplace and bring some big, new creative ideas to international audiences.”

Previously, Bellamy had served as the head of Channel 4 from May 2007 to October 2010. Before Channel 4, he was the controller of BBC Three, and prior to this was running E4.