Pulse Films Names Global Creative Director of Nonfiction

Pulse Films has tapped Diene Petterle, former BBC commissioning editor, to be its new global creative director of nonfiction.

In her role at Pulse Films, Petterle will focus on developing and delivering an innovative premium slate of factual programming and documentaries. While continuing to elevate the Pulse Films brand in the U.K. and U.S., Petterle will also look to expand the company’s international portfolio in Latin America.

Formerly a creative director at Darlow Smithson Productions (DSP), Petterle helped double its turnover with SVOD and linear commissions and executive produced such documentaries as the ITV feature In Cold Blood. Since leaving DSP last year, Petterle developed and sold a premium series to a major streamer through her company, Petterle Films, in co-production with Wall to Wall. At the BBC, she was responsible for commissions including Who Do You Think You Are?, Fifteen Billion Pound Railway, The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs, Extreme Mountain Challenge and Down the Mighty River.

In other hiring news, Samira Sorzano joins Pulse Films as global communications director. She will oversee PR and communications for the company’s global offices in London, Los Angeles, New York, Berlin and Milan, as well as all of the company’s divisions, including film, scripted and factual television, branded entertainment, music and commercials.

Both Petterle and Sorzano report to Marisa Clifford, CEO for U.K. and Europe, and founder. They will work closely with Thomas Benski, CEO and founder.

Clifford said, “Diene brings a wealth of experience to Pulse Films that will help to bolster our position as one of the leading nonfiction producers, both domestically and internationally. Her experience as a commissioner and executive producer will be invaluable in finding new captivating and untold real stories, told through a diverging lens that Pulse Films is renowned for.”

Petterle commented, “Pulse Films is a dynamic production company that has recently secured some huge commissions with global streamers and mainstream broadcasters. With a strong record of producing award-winning feature documentaries, sought after by Sundance and other major festivals, as well as hit series on streamers, I am excited to continue building on this strong brand to further create more meaningful, high-quality nonfiction programming that appeals to audiences worldwide.”