BBC Studios Productions Seeks New Scripted MD

BBC Studios Productions has commenced recruitment for a new managing director of scripted as Mark Linsey shifts his focus to expanding the company’s operations in Los Angeles.

The new London-based managing director will assume responsibility for BBC Studios’ drama and comedy production units, its majority-owned labels (Clerkenwell Films, Baby Cow Productions, Firebird Pictures, House Productions, Lookout Point and Sid Gentle Films) and its stakes in indies Boffola, VAL, Expectation and Turbine.

Linsey relocated to Los Angeles in 2023 to serve as president of LA scripted at BBC Studios Productions. He will remain in the role of managing director of scripted amid the recruitment process.

Zai Bennett, CEO and chief creative officer of BBC Studios Productions, said, “We’re excited to begin the search for Mark’s successor to take our U.K. scripted business into its next chapter. Mark’s move to solely focus on Los Angeles reflects an ambition to double down on our scripted growth plans in the U.S., whilst we continue to invest in and support our exceptional U.K. producers and labels. I want to pay tribute to him for the incredible leadership he has shown over the last five years in scripted, delivering bold, distinctive and award-winning drama and comedy titles.”