Jane Tranter Exits BBC Worldwide Productions to Launch Own Venture

LOS ANGELES: Jane Tranter is planning to exit her post as head of BBC Worldwide Productions and Adjacent Productions this August, to be succeeded by Matt Forde, currently the executive VP of TV sales and digital distribution.

Forde's role will expand to include leading both L.A.-based production units, under the new title of executive VP of content production, sales and distribution. He will report to Ann Sarnoff, the incoming president of BBC Worldwide North America, and divide his time between New York and Los Angeles.

Tranter, who has led BBC Worldwide Productions since January 2009, is planning to launch her own independent production venture. She will step down officially as of August 14.

Herb Scannell, the current president of BBC Worldwide North America, commented: “Since arriving in the U.S., Jane has systematically grown and diversified our production base in Los Angeles. She energized Dancing with the Stars, which concluded its 20th season this year; took the company into scripted development and production with DaVinci’s Demons and Getting On; and grew our network of partners by building relationships with highly-regarded cable channels. We wish her the very best in her new venture. Matt is unmistakably a champion of producers, writers, and creators—this coupled with his passion for the BBC’s unrivaled, high-quality output will no doubt prove to be a win for the company and our valued partners. I'm proud of what Jane has accomplished, and look forward to seeing Matt soar in his new, expanded role.”
 
Forde remarked: "Jane and the team have built a truly strong production business and I am very fortunate to inherit such a stellar team of creative and commercial executives, including Courtney Conte, who will work closely with me to ensure continued growth of this thriving business. BBC is a fantastic brand and a powerhouse in creating IP and potential formats for the U.S. market. With the media industry changing at speed, there is an ever increasing set of new opportunities to complement our growing slate of shows."
 
Tranter said: “I have relished every minute of the rollercoaster ride of being a Brit helming a U.S. scripted and unscripted production company. It has been an honor to have had the responsibility of reformatting so many iconic BBC programs, and a creative privilege to have founded the Adjacent label to develop and produce original programming on behalf of BBC Worldwide. It would not have been possible to achieve any of this without having such a distinctive, loyal, and creative team working across the globe both in front and behind the cameras. Their independent minds and strong hearts have been at the center of the company's success and I am delighted to be handing over such a committed and top class team to Matt Forde, who I know will nurture the company's talent and take it to new heights.”