Monkey, which is part of Universal International Studios (UIS), a division of Universal Studio Group (USG) has appointed Laura Gibson as Creative Director. Gibson joins Monkey from Talkback.

She will spearhead Monkey’s slate by leading the development of innovative entertainment formats with global appeal. Her responsibilities encompass the creation, development, and delivery of shows across a diverse array of genres.

Gibson has been at Talkback since 2016, first as Head of Development, before taking up the position of Creative Director in 2019. During her time, she co-created the worldwide Netflix reality hit Too Hot to Handle, ITV’s hit game show Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow, acclaimed BBC Two travelogue Last Woman on Earth with Sara Pascoe and ITV’s award-winning Harry’s Heroes among others. She was also instrumental in bringing Never Mind the Buzzcocks with Greg Davies and Daisy May Cooper back to Sky.

Before joining Talkback, Gibson served as Vice President of Unscripted Development for Los Angeles-based indie 44 Blue Productions. Prior to this she was the Vice President of Unscripted Development for Endemol Shine North America and before her move to the U.S Laura was Creative Director Comedy Entertainment for ITV Studios UK.

Will Macdonald & David Granger said “We’re so delighted that Laura is joining Monkey. Laura’s exceptional track record creating ground-breaking entertainment shows and launching fresh formats with global appeal sets the stage for Monkey’s future. We can’t wait for her to join the team and create some boldly ambitious and no doubt wonderfully unique shows.”

Laura Gibson adds: “It’s been an amazing six years and I will miss my wonderful colleagues at Talkback and Fremantle. The chance to join Monkey, Universal International Studios and wider the NBCU family was too great an opportunity to turn down and I look forward to working with their brilliant team and deliver exciting shows for a global audience.”

Monkey’s slate of programming includes That’s My Jam fronted by Mo Gilligan for BBC One; BAFTA award-winning reality series Made in Chelsea, which is currently in its 25th season on E4 and is also available on Peacock in the US; and ITVBe’s The Real Housewives of Cheshire which is currently in its 16thseason. Other shows include multi-award winning Don’t Hate The Playaz and The Emily Atack Show for ITV2, Generation Drag for discovery+, and health format Know Your Sh!t for Channel 4.

Pippa Considine

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