UKTV Taps Sony Pictures Alum Tracy-Jean

UKTV has appointed Tracy-Jean, known as “TJ,” as commissioning executive for its factual and factual-entertainment slate.

TJ will executive produce programs across UKTV’s Yesterday, W, Gold and Dave channels and will work closely with independent production companies to develop new projects. She joins from Sony Pictures Entertainment, where she was an international format and development executive in the game-show division.

As part of Sony’s L.A. game-show division, TJ acquired its first international unscripted format and played a key role in securing the commission of the U.S. version of Raid the Cage. Prior to that, she worked in the global Sony Entertainment team in London, contributing to the brand management of flagship formats Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Dragon’s Den, as well as co-creating original unscripted ideas such as Goodbye House. She has also worked for Discovery, Fremantle and BBC Worldwide.

“I am delighted to welcome TJ into our factual and factual-entertainment team,” said Helen Nightingale, head of factual and factual entertainment, to whom TJ will be reporting. “She has a wealth of development and format experience at a senior level, a fantastic knowledge of international markets, and I look forward to the fresh new ideas she will bring to our channels.”

TJ added, “I’ve kept my eye on UKTV and its distinctive programs for years, and I cannot wait to be part of the team that gets to take such special ideas to screen. Having a background in unscripted formats that was forged on the opposite side of the table gives me a great empathy for anyone who pitches their ideas, and I look forward to getting my hands dirty to find great shows together for UKTV’s suite of channels.”