Screenchannel TV Installs First Creative Director

LONDON: Rare TV Group’s Screenchannel Television has hired U.K. factual-entertainment alum Katie Boyd as the independent producer’s first creative director.

In her new position, Boyd is responsible for expanding Screenchannel’s portfolio of returnable series. She will focus on identifying U.K. factual and factual-entertainment programming with worldwide potential.

Boyd previously worked on a number of major factual and factual-entertainment shows for such leading U.K. prodcos as Nutopia, Maverick Television, Optomen Television and Endemol. Her production credits include Home Front and Restoration for BBC One and Two, respectively, as well as Good Sex Guide for ITV and House Doctor for Channel 5. She also served as a commissioning editor at Channel 4, where she developed, commissioned and exec produced such hits as Embarrassing Bodies and Location, Location, Location.

Antony Fraser, CEO of the Rare TV Group, commented: “There are few professionals with Katie’s breadth of experience and huge network of broadcast contacts, which include commissioners, talent and agents across the U.K. and U.S. industries. She will be an invaluable asset in our mission to evolve our brands into global properties while consolidating our U.K. position.”

Boyd added: “The opportunity to expand Screenchannel’s existing slate of programs and move into new areas is one I couldn’t resist. The Screenchannel team is hugely respected, not only for its track record of successful returning franchises but its journalistic rigor. Combined with my more populist expertise, this is a powerful proposition, both domestically and internationally.”