Matchbox Pictures’ Director of Unscripted, Kylie Washington, is to join BBC Studios as its first Director of Production in Australia.
Washington’s credits includethe Real Housewives brand for Foxtel, Australian Spartan for Seven and Room 101 for SBS. She has also successfully developed original formats, including Formal Wars for Seven and Everyone’s A Critic for ABC.
In her role, Washington will launch and manage the growth of BBC Studios’ television production arm in Australia, exploit BBC Studios’ format catalogue, drive the creation of new intellectual property and build creative partnerships between BBC Studios’ editorial teams in the UK and Australian broadcasters and digital platforms.
She will join BBC Studios in the coming months and report into its international production division, led by Anna Mallett, Managing Director, Production and COO, BBC Studios. She will work closely with Jon Penn, Managing Director, BBC Studios, Australia & New Zealand and his executive leadership team.
Anna Mallett says: ‘It’s wonderful that BBC Studios has attracted someone of Kylie’s calibre, experience and passion, and I can think of no one better to lead our Australian production operation at this exciting time.’
Kylie Washington says: ‘I am thrilled to be joining BBC Studios as it establishes its first production studio in Australia. It’s an exciting time of change in the Australian media and I look forward to joining a company that I have admired for many years. The BBC has such a wonderful rich history of content and I look forward to continuing that legacy within the Australian market place.’
Jon Penn says: ‘Kylie is a talented creative who combines a strong track record in television production with insight into the entertainment experiences our customers and their audiences are looking for. I’m looking forward to welcoming her into the business.’
BBC Studios recently gained their first commission in Australia with Stargazing Live 2, due to broadcast live on ABC and ABC iView from 22-24 May. It will be produced locally for ABC by a team from BBC Studios’ Science Unit in the UK.
Staff Reporter
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