DRG Taps ITVS GE Exec for Drama Post

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Dave Clarke, who until recently was the head of scripted acquisitions and co-production at ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE), is joining DRG.

Clarke takes on the role of scripted development and acquisitions consultant at DRG, where he will work alongside the existing acquisitions team to bring in and develop more high-quality scripted content, from both current producer clients as well as new producer partners. In addition to driving new scripted business for DRG, the remit in his initial 12-month contract will incorporate finding suitable projects for Atrium TV, the new drama “commissioning club” launched at MIPTV by DRG CEO Jeremy Fox and Sir Howard Stringer.

Prior to his time at ITVS GE, where he worked across ITV’s third-party global relationships, Clarke was the head of global format acquisitions at Shine Group. Before that, he was the VP of strategic planning and format acquisitions at Cineflix.

Richard Halliwell, DRG’s managing director, commented: “Through all of the producers with which we currently work—both independent and within the NICE group—we already have a wonderful range of drama in our catalog, much of which—such as Doc Martin and Eyewitness—has been successfully sold, as well as formatted and remade around the world. We are now looking to massively ramp up our drama business and are delighted that Dave can join our team. He has a terrific combination of commercial and creative acumen, knows how to spot a good story and make it great, and is very well respected within the industry. The fact that he has excellent format credentials is also very useful to our ambition.”

Clarke said: “DRG is going through really exciting times and there is a fantastic opportunity for me to build on the existing base and shape and grow it into a truly dynamic force in the scripted programming world. The business is keen to invest in great ideas and its launch of Atrium TV demonstrates that it is constantly looking for new opportunities and new ways of doing business. It is refreshing to be given a relatively clean sheet in such an established company and I can’t wait to get started and to begin reaching out to producers.”