Head of Scripted in Place for Lionsgate-BBC Studios TV Partnership

Rachel Bendavid, who previously served as VP of drama programming for ABC Entertainment, has been named head of scripted programming for the Lionsgate and BBC Studios Los Angeles partnership.

The partnership was formed to identify, co-develop and co-fund scripted formats and original IP for the U.S. market. Bendavid is responsible for overseeing the operations and content initiatives of the TV partnership as well as leading the development and production of its programming slate.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Lionsgate and BBC Studios LA family and to be working with global content leaders from both sides of the pond,” said Bendavid. “Lionsgate and BBC Studios are homes to deep and rich content portfolios and talent relationships, which makes this a very exciting and refreshing new venture for me. I can’t wait to continue to elevate this partnership and bring even more great programming to television audiences.”

“Rachel is an incredibly talented executive with a strong track record and an impeccable creative eye for premium, must-see content,” said Lionsgate’s executive VP of television and head of development, Scott Herbst. “Her leadership skills, passion for television and expert knowledge of the business will be invaluable in leading our partnership with BBC Studios and creating more great series for our content pipeline.”

Valerie Bruce, general manager of LA productions at BBC Studios, said: “Rachel has a real knowledge of and passion for distinct British voices. Based on this, along with her deep experience at ABC and FOX and her strong connections within the industry, she is well positioned to build our scripted partnership and continue to develop exciting opportunities for the U.K. creative community in the U.S.”