Rare TV has appointed Matt Cole as creative director, succeeding Fernando de Jesus as creative lead at the documentary and specialist factual producer.
Cole spent almost a decade as executive producer and creative director at Keo Films, producer of multi-award-winning Once Upon a Time in Iraq, Northern Ireland and Space strands, where he earned EP credits on award-winning titles including Chimp Empire (Netflix) alongside popular factual series such as Trawlermen: Celebs at Sea for Channel 5 and Britain’s Best Cook on BBC One.
Cole began his career as a music industry and national newspaper reporter before moving into television via entertainment features at the BBC and ITV. He went on to hold senior factual development and executive roles at some of the UK’s leading indies and production houses, including Blink Films, Tigress, Icon Films and BBC Bristol.
Most recently, Cole developed and produced a new feature documentary for Channel 4, co-produced with Keo Films and Bellingcat, involving sensitive access and high-risk filming. The film is due to launch at CPH DOX in March.
Matt Cole said: “It’s a privilege to be working with a team trusted to deliver such an impressive and broad slate of returning series for buyers in the UK, Ireland and USA. The company’s hard-earned expertise in factual storytelling equips it well to now widen its output as a first-class producer and content studio.”
The news comes as Smithsonian Channel announced the recommission of Rare’s Ice Airport Alaska (Smithsonian) for a 7thseason. This follows a 12 month period in which Rare has produced more than 60 hours of programming including the 13thseries of Digging for Britain (BBC Two), which was launched this month. Other Rare titles include Futureville (RTÉ), and new launches such as Trace Track: Get My Car Back (BBC One) and Life on the Edge (Outdoor Channel).
Alexander Gardiner, Chair of Rare TV, said: “I’ve been tracking Matt’s work for the past couple of years and have been very impressed at how he operates with creativity and an impressive ability to see the entire picture due to his vast experience. I am delighted he’s joining us at such a pivotal moment for the company and the wider industry.”
Jon Creamer
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