Leonardo Producer Big Light Appoints COO

Big Light Productions, which is behind dramas such as The Man in the High Castle, Medici and the forthcoming Leonardo, has appointed Chris Sutherland as chief operating officer.

Prior to Big Light Productions, Sutherland was commercial investment director at The Ingenious Group (Media), where he led the TV division, which produced and financed recent hits White House Farm (ITV), Britannia (Sky), Black Summer (Netflix) and Marcella (ITV/Netflix). He was also head of programs and production for the U.K. at Motion Content Group.

Sutherland will take up the role from September 1 and report directly to CEO, executive producer and writer Frank Spotnitz, who founded the indie producer in 2013. Based in the London office, he will oversee the company’s operations, strategic partnerships and project financing.

Sutherland succeeds Oliver Lang, who is stepping down from the position at the end of the month to focus on his creative industries’ advisory business, Sharp Edge Media. He will continue to work with Big Light Productions in this new capacity.

Sutherland said: “It is an honor to be joining Frank and his talented team at Big Light. Frank is an exceptional writer and producer, and the quality of drama from Big Light is outstanding; distinctive, thought-provoking, and beautifully crafted. It is an exciting time for the company, and I am looking forward to contributing toward its future success.”

Spotnitz added: “Chris is a fantastic addition to our team. He has a proven track record in growing businesses and creating innovative strategies, solid relationships in the industry and an incredible wealth of production experience. His expertise and experience will be invaluable to Big Light as we continue to grow, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”