Essential Media Sets Up International Scripted Unit

Essential Media Group, the producer of Australian dramas Rake and Doctor Doctor, has set up a new division focused on premium international scripted content.

Essential Scripted will be led by Chris Hilton, CEO of Essential Media, and Greg Quail, chief content officer. Michelle Hardy has been tapped as VP of scripted for Australia, while Simonne Overend remains as VP of scripted for the U.S. Essential Media has also signed a first-look deal with Hardy White Pictures, a joint venture between Michelle Hardy and Erin White.

Essential sold its drama catalog to FremantleMedia in September 2017. Earlier this year it merged with Quail Entertainment (At Home with Julia, Wednesday Night Fever) and was subsequently acquired by Kew Media Group.

On the launch of the new division, Hilton noted, “We’re relishing the prospect of our return to drama production in Australia and the USA at a time when the opportunities have never been greater. We have an exciting new slate and with the support of our new partners at Kew we’re looking forward to bringing more premium scripted content to audiences around the world.”