MultiStory Bolsters Entertainment Team

MultiStory Media has promoted Simone Haywood, previously head of factual entertainment, to creative director of MultiStory London.

Haywood has delivered some of the label’s biggest new programs, including Scared of the Dark for Channel 4, BBC Three’s Project Icon (co-produced with ITV America) and Big Flower Fight for Netflix, along with oversight for Come Dine With Me for Channel 4, including the launch of the new spin-off Come Dine With Me: The Professionals.

Reporting to Chief Creative Officer Ana de Moraes, Haywood will build on the label’s output alongside Ceri Aston, creative director of MultiStory North, as it looks to cement its reputation as a leading entertainment producer, from reality to competition and shiny floor.

Meanwhile, Jon Cahn is joining the entertainment team as executive producer. Cahn has most recently worked on the upcoming Scared of the Dark, which is hosted by Danny Dyer and sees a group of celebrities living for eight days in the dark, undertaking a series of thought-provoking challenges in an attempt to conquer their fears and be crowned series winner. Cahn’s credits include Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Married at First Sight, Sink or Swim and The Bridge.

Zinia Scroggs is joining as series editor. Scroggs is currently working on Project Icon, a music competition that launches this Sunday on BBC Three. Scroggs previously series produced BBC Three’s Glow Up, and further credits include The Apprentice, Race Across the World and First Dates Hotel.

Cahn and Scroggs will report into Haywood.

Said de Moraes: “Simone is fearless about breaking new ground and grabbing big ideas by the horns, which is why she has been instrumental in developing, pitching and producing some of MultiStory’s most exciting series. Both broadcasters and producers love working with her and we are excited to give her the opportunity to take the next step in her career, building MultiStory’s entertainment slate with Jon Cahn and Zinia Scroggs, both rising stars whose talents are incredible additions to our team.”

Haywood said: “With the support of a dream team of excellent program-makers in Jon and Zinia, I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to grow MultiStory’s entertainment slate and build on our reputation for delivering groundbreaking series of scale and ambition.”

Cahn said: “I’m beyond thrilled to have joined MultiStory at this exciting juncture. The chance to learn from and work alongside TV titans like Tim, Ana and Simone was a huge draw. I’m excited to see what we can all create together.”

Scroggs said: “I’m so excited to be joining MultiStory’s entertainment team. The opportunity to work alongside some of the industry’s top creative brains like Tim, Ana, Simone and Jon is just amazing! I’m looking forward to making more brilliant TV together.”