The Imitation Game Producer Black Bear Names Head of TV

The production and financing company Black Bear Pictures, behind feature films such as The Imitation Game, Mudbound and The Rental, has tapped Ben Stillman to lead its newly created independent TV studio, Black Bear Television.

Stillman, who has been at Black Bear since the company’s inception, will transition from feature films, where he was senior VP. As head of TV, Stillman will oversee Black Bear’s priority of growing the television arm’s increasing footprint through collaborations with creators on voice-driven, eclectic and commercial content from emerging and diverse talent while commissioning and creating high-end scripted programs for the worldwide market, focused on recurring series with global appeal and premium event limited series.

Black Bear TV recently announced it had optioned the rights to Irish writer Naoise Dolan’s debut novel, Exciting Times, and has already commissioned close to a dozen projects this year under Stillman’s direction.

Additionally, Leigh Kittay has joined as head of film and will be responsible for continuing to grow the company’s slate of feature films. Kittay previously served as head of film for Noah Hawley’s 26 Keys, where she helped build the company (known for Fargo and Legion) into a thriving film banner.

As part of its continued growth, Black Bear Pictures has also promoted Michael Heimler to the title of head of production and finance. Heimler, who previously served as VP of production and operations, will continue to oversee physical production, business affairs and financing endeavors on behalf of Black Bear.