FilmNation & NENT Group Tap Kirstie Macdonald to Head U.K. JV

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FilmNation Entertainment and Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group) have appointed Expectation’s Kirstie Macdonald as creative director of their recently announced U.K.-based television joint venture.

Macdonald’s track record includes hit productions such as Line of Duty, Save Me and the BAFTA Award-winning The Fear. She is currently creative director of drama at Peter Fincham and Tim Hincks’ production company Expectation and is overseeing the launch of Expectation’s drama Guilt before moving to her new role at FilmNation.

Macdonald said: “I couldn’t be more excited about being part of this new venture between FilmNation and NENT Group. I’m such a big fan of FilmNation’s output—their integrity as storytellers and their talent relationships are second to none, and the reach this partnership with NENT Group gives makes this a fantastic opportunity to create some truly original television.”

Glen Basner, FilmNation Entertainment’s CEO, and Milan Popelka, FilmNation Entertainment’s COO, added: “Kirstie’s taste perfectly aligns with our own, and her reputation, incredible relationships within the industry and track record of developing bold and compelling shows make her a perfect fit for this leadership role in our joint venture. We’re thrilled to have her join us.”

Jakob Mejlhede Andersen, incoming CEO of NENT Studios UK, commented: “Our joint venture with FilmNation Entertainment is a key step in establishing NENT Group as a global storyteller. From storyboards to awards, Kirstie turns amazing ideas into special series. Her appointment will enable us to bring even more high-quality entertainment to our Nordic streaming service Viaplay and audiences around the world.”

Announced in January 2019, the joint venture between FilmNation Entertainment and NENT Group will develop, produce and finance premium scripted television content for global audiences. It will operate under the FilmNation brand.