Sky Studios Ups Chernobyl Commissioner Gabriel Silver

Sky Studios has promoted Gabriel Silver to director of commissioning for drama in the U.K.

Most recently, Silver has overseen a slate of Sky original dramas that includes the Emmy- and BAFTA-winning series Chernobyl and hit Gangs of London, as well as the returning franchises Temple, Britannia and COBRA. He is currently executive producing the upcoming Sky original dramas Extinction, starring Paapa Essiedu, and The Baby, a co-production between Sky and HBO.

In his new role, Silver is tasked with growing the slate of indie-commissioned drama projects for Sky Studios. With a particular focus on commissioning content for Sky U.K., Silver will work closely with Zai Bennett, managing director of content at Sky U.K., with projects jointly greenlit by both Sky Studios and Sky U.K.

Silver said: “Sky Drama has never been more bold or ambitious than it is today. Over the next 18 months, we’re looking towards a fantastic slate of shows, including at least a dozen new original series or miniseries, all of which aim to push the parameters of what’s considered a Sky drama—to be truly distinctive whilst retaining a core sense of entertainment.

“Thanks to Cameron Roach and the whole drama team, Sky Original dramas have gone from strength to strength, breaking viewing records, winning critical acclaim and finding fans at home and abroad. The U.K. has some of the best creative talent both on-screen and off, and I am thrilled to lead Sky Drama through this next phase as we continue partnering with our world-leading indie community to bring viewers even more new, original content they wouldn’t find anywhere else.”

Jane Millichip, chief content officer at Sky Studios, said: “Gabriel has an impeccable track record of delivering shows that encapsulate the creative ambition of Sky Studios. From Chernobyl to Gangs of London, he has strong instincts in identifying, developing and delivering bold, original content and is well respected as a creative partner by the independent production community.”