Banijay UK has hired former Fox exec Claire O’Donohoe as Director of Programmes.
She will work closely with long-time creative collaborator Natalka Znak, the newly appointed CEO Remarkable, Initial and ZnakTV.
O’Donohoe most recently served as a commissioner at FOX, and went on to be Senior Vice President, Head of Current at FOX Alternative Entertainment Studios. While there she was primarily involved in commissioning and launching break out hits including The Masked Singer and I Can See Your Voice.
In the new Banijay role she will work with the American buyers bringing UK formats from the creative teams at Remarkable Entertainment, Initial and Znak TV to the US market. She will also be tasked with “reinvigorating the legacy brands” for the UK.
The role will be based in the UK with O’Donohoe spending time in the US supporting the LA based Znak TV team and continuing to work with US networks.
Natalka Znak, CEO Remarkable Entertainment, Initial and Znak said; “Claire has worked on the most successful entertainment juggernauts on both sides of the Atlantic and is hugely respected throughout the industry. Her ability to spot a hit and supersize it, together with her contacts and knowledge in both the US and UK make her a huge asset to the business.”
Claire O’Donohoe said; “After leaving Endemol over 10 years ago to go to the US I’m so excited to be back at a company that was such an integral and influential part of my career.
“Not only does Banijay have an incredible catalogue of legacy formats that are close to my heart, but there is a thrilling amount of new and exciting ideas to bring to both the UK & US markets.
“I’m so happy to be working alongside the incredible teams at Remarkable Entertainment, Initial & Znak TV, and to be re-united with my mentor and the producing powerhouse that is Natalka Znak. It’s an exciting time to be at Banijay, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Prior to Fox, O’Donohoe spent time at Zodiak US where she produced US versions of hit formats including Wife Swap (ABC), Secret Millionaire (Fox) and over a dozen unscripted series for US networks. She began her career at ITV Studios and Endemol where she executive produced Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother as well as produced formats Hell’s Kitchen, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, The Games, Fame Academy and Pop Stars.
Jon Creamer
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