Original Media Names SVP of Production & Development

NEW YORK: Former K2 Pictures principal Jay Peterson has been appointed to the newly created post of senior VP of production and development for Original Media.

Based in New York, Peterson will report directly to Original Media’s CEO, Charlie Corwin. In this role, Peterson will oversee the day-to-day operations, production and creative development for Original Media. He will manage both the New York and Los Angeles offices, supervise all production activities and Original Media staff. In a development capacity, Peterson’s responsibilities will include executing of talent, co-production and network deals, as well as driving all U.S. and international sales. He will also oversee production of pilots and presentations.

Previously at K2 Pictures, a production outfit specializing in both scripted and unscripted programming, Peterson managed the creative development and day-to-day operations. Some of K2’s notable projects include the documentary feature Same Sex America for Showtime, the live event series Major League Eating for Spike TV, the daily pop culture and sports series Classic Now for ESPN and the biography series Life After for TV One. Prior to K2, Peterson served as the director of original programming and development at VH1.

“I have known and respected Jay for some time and am thrilled to be able to bring his experience, wisdom and creativity to Original Media,” said Corwin. “It is an exciting time for our company with our most extensive production schedule to date that reaches across film, unscripted and scripted television programming. I expect that Jay’s considerable skills will elevate our programming slate and further expand our business and brand.”

Peterson added, “I have been a long-time admirer of Charlie and the Original Media team, so it’s particularly exciting to join them in this central role. The company is in a great place with a terrific set of projects in production, and I look forward to being part of its future success.”

Original Media’s The Philanthropist debuted on NBC last Wednesday and won the 10 p.m. hour. In the unscripted arena, Original is launching news seasons of LA Ink for TLC, Storm Chasers for Discovery and Rachel Zoe for Bravo. The company’s film credits include Squid & The Whale and Half Nelson, and its latest film, Thirteen, has Joel Schulmacher directing.