Fremantle Bolsters Scripted Department with New Hires

Fremantle has added to its scripted department with new hires Nyanza Shaw and Lionsgate alum Jerry Jacobs.

Shaw has been appointed executive VP of scripted business and legal affairs and will oversee all deal-making related to the development, production and financing of Fremantle’s scripted television and new media content produced for the U.S.

Shaw has over two decades of experience in entertainment, business, technology and intellectual property matters. She is the former owner and managing attorney of Shaw Esquire, where she developed relationships with multiple distributors, networks, streamers and production companies.

Jacobs has been appointed executive VP of scripted productions and will be responsible for all aspects of production of the scripted slate, including the hiring of all key production staff, sourcing of production locations and setting and maintaining overall project budgets.

Jacobs joins from Lionsgate Entertainment, where he served as senior VP of television production and worked on series such as Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Swimming with Sharks and Step-Up.

Dante Di Loreto, president of scripted entertainment of Fremantle North America, said: “As Fremantle’s scripted programming continues to flourish, we are thrilled to welcome both Nyanza and Jerry to our team. Their strong business relationships and many years of experience in the industry will be instrumental in supporting our continued growth, producing and distributing world-class entertainment with some of the most sought-after talent from around the globe.”