BBC Studios has appointed Jon Swain as Head of its new Popular Factual (working title) production unit.
Previously Director of Development & Head of Formats for Optomen Television, Swain has also worked as a Development Consultant for Optomen in the United States.
His production credits and development work includes Employable Me for BBC Two, special event documentary Pride & Prejudice: Having A Ball for BBC Two, and long-running food series such as BBC Two’s Great British Menu and Channel 4’s The F Word.
He will lead BBC Studios’ new Popular Factual production unit, which creates new and returning popular factual, lifestyle series and features across Bristol, Wales and Northern Ireland, such as the newly-revamped Crimewatch and Countryfile.
Lisa Opie, Head of BBC Studios Factual, says: “Jon is a highly creative and versatile programme-maker with an incredible track record and vast experience in factual entertainment. I look forward to working with him to enhance our existing portfolio and develop new content in this area.”
Jon Swain says: “I’m very much looking forward to championing the unit’s current stable of brilliant formats, and working with the team on a new generation of shows.”
Popular Factual is one of six production units in BBC Studios Factual, alongside The Natural History Unit, Factual Scotland, Science, Documentaries and Topical and Live.
With the BBC moving to 100 percent competition in all its TV programming, BBC Studios announced restructuring plans in October.
Subject to regulatory approval, BBC Studios will launch as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2017 and will be able to compete for work with other UK and international broadcasters, as well as the BBC.
Staff Reporter
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