Emma Lorenz has joined BBC Studios’ Science Unit as its first Creative Director, UK Unscripted.
Led by Unit Head Andrew Cohen, and Nicola Cook, Director of Development, Lorenz will be responsible for the domestic creative strategy and growing the unit’s UK slate in documentaries, formats and returning series.
BBC Studios’ Science Unit’s recent production successes include the BAFTA and Emmy award-winning The Surgeons Cut and the recently launched The Anthrax Attacks for Netflix; Dinosaurs: The Final Day with Sir David Attenborough and Universe with Professor Brian Cox for the BBC; and the AFP (Ad-Funded Programming) series Cook Clever, Waste Less with Prue Leith for Channel 4.
Lorenz joined from Wonderhood Studios, where she was Deputy Creative Director, developing and winning commissions including BBC Three’s Trump in Tweets, Channel 4’s Baby Surgeons: Delivering Miracles, the recent Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life and BBC One’s The Airport: Back in the Skies – the latter two which she was also an Executive Producer on. Previously she was Director of Development for Lion TV, securing 26 commissions across her three years there, including BBC One’s RAF 100 with Ewan and Colin McGregor and for Channel 4 – World’s Most Luxurious Airline, Secret Life of the Holiday Resort and British Army Girls. Prior to that she was Head of Development for BBC Documentaries, where she gained access to The Metropolitan Police for BBC One series The Met, as well as developing formats like Hair and landing the BAFTA winning Life and Death Row for BBC Three.
Emma Lorenz says, “BBC Studios’ Science Unit is making some amazing content both for the big streamers and the domestic market, and with their impeccable track record, an envy-inducing BBC back catalogue and the fact they work with the brightest talent, both on and off screen – they really are first in their field. It’s a genuinely exciting and creative place to be, and the opportunity to work with such a talented team made the role irresistible.”
Andrew Cohen, Head of BBC Studios’ Science Units commented: “We are incredibly lucky to have Emma joining our team at a time when we are expanding our ambitions in the UK market. Emma brings a huge wealth of creativity and energy, with a track record that simply speaks for itself. I’m very much looking forward to working with Emma as we build on our recent successes in the documentary and format space.”
Nicola Cook, Development Director for the Science Unit added: “Emma’s experience and knowledge of the factual industry is second to none. We’re delighted to have her join the team and excited about working with her to take the storytelling skills and expertise of the Science Unit in new directions as we expand the range of our output.”
Jon Creamer
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