Documentary and drama producer Story Films has appointed Josh Wilkins to the newly-created role of COO, as the company also launches a new, scripted division.
Wilkins joins from October Films where he has been Head of Studios since 2015. He will be focused on driving the expansion of Story Films, an All3Media-backed company.
Story co-founder David Nath will head up the scripted division, with Development Producer, Jake Lancaster taking on the role of Head of Scripted Development. Co-founder Peter Beard will run the factual operation with Executive Producer Bruce Fletcher promoted to Head of Documentaries and Adam Hopkins as Unscripted Executive Producer, reporting directly to Beard.
Nath and Beard said: “We are delighted to welcome Josh to Story. He is an exceptional talent who will help us realise our ambitions to accelerate our growth in scripted and non-scripted. Our new structure will bring increased focus to our expert teams as we look forward to an expanding slate and another very busy year.”
Josh Wilkins said: “To be asked to help shape the future of such a brilliant company is an enormous privilege. Story’s long list of successful programming speaks for itself, and I look forward to helping the teams to develop and grow in the new structure. David and Peter have impeccable credentials in the industry, and I’m excited to be part of the team as Story embarks on its next successful chapter.”
Prior to joining October Films, Wilkins held senior roles including Vice President, Production at Discovery in New York and Head of Production at Nutopia in London. He has an extensive background in programme and film production, beginning his career on Stephen Frears’ The Deal for Channel 4 in 2003.
Story’s programming credits for 2021 include: Deceit for Channel 4,based on the controversial ‘honey trap’ operation in the murder of Rachel Nickell; Fever Pitch: The Rise of the Premier League, fronted by David Beckham for the BBC and Taken: Hunting the Sex Traffickers for Channel 4. Upcoming programmes include ITV drama The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe, based on the true story of John Darwin, who infamously faked his own death, and his wife, Anne, who helped with the cover-up. Plus, four-part thriller, Witness No 3 for Channel 5.
Jon Creamer
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