Nick Parnes’ Kalel Productions (Undercover: Sexual Harassment – The Truth) has appointed Kieran McCarthy, former Director of Development at True North Productions to the role of Creative Director of Development.
McCarthy joins the Rich Kids Go Skint production company to lead the development of “provocative and purposeful” formats and returning series.
McCarthy joins Kalel from True North Productions where he led the development team and was a key player in shows including the new BBC six-part series Ashley Cain: Into the Dangerzone; Top Guns: Inside the RAF for Channel 4; 5’s Susan Calman’s Antique Adventure; the true crime boxset; I’ll Be Watching You for Paramount+, The Antiques Brothers for Discovery and the upcoming competition series spin-off A New Life in the Sun: Win a B&B.
McCarthy previously served as Creative Director at Flying Saucer TV where he created shows including Lose Weight Like Me for Channel 4; and Cats and Dogs at War and Filthy House SOS for 5; and prior to that, was Director of Development at Manchester based Gobstopper TV where he helped launch Just Tattoo of Us for MTV.
Kalel, was previously part of the Greenbird group, and since May 2024 it has been a fully independent production company and creates factual and factual entertainment shows. In his new role McCarthy will report to CEO Nick Parnes.
McCarthy’s appointment coincides with Kalel announcing a growing slate of programmes, including two new 1×60’ commissions for 5, with more announcements set to come. The first Is Your Smartphone Spying On You?, a documentary that explores ominous claims regarding smartphones and tech listening in on us and how much info ‘they’ already have on us, commissioned for 5 by Kit Morey. The second is Lawless Britain: Catching the Street Thieves commissioned by Federico Ruiz and will be hosted by ex-police detective Rebecca Mason. The one-off will premiere this spring, with street crimes on the rise, Rebecca investigates and helps communities who are forced to take matters into their own hands, by tracking down and confronting the brazen criminals on their doorsteps.
Nick Parnes said, “I’m delighted that Kieran is now heading the development team. I’ve wanted to work with him for many years. And as we’ve now moved to great new offices in Camden, and are more and more known for our immersive, headline-grabbing content, the timing seems perfect for this new large step forward.”
Kieran McCarthy said, “I’ve been a fan of Nick and his ingenious format brain ever since Swag way back in the 00’s. And the chance to play such a prominent role with true indie Kalel as it enters this exciting new era was too good to miss. With a brilliant team in place, I can’t wait to get stuck into developing the next generation of returnable series and provocative formats. Watch this space.”
Kalel Productions was behind immersive ‘stunt’ documentary Undercover: Sexual Harassment which received a commendation by the judging panel at the British Journalism Awards 2024. Their film Magaluf Undercover: Predators & Parties for Channels 4’s UNTOLD strand, is the biggest launch the strand has ever had. The small indie has numerous awards for their formats: The Money Maker won a Diversity TV Excellence Award at Mipcom in 2021 and Stupid Man, Smart Phone won International Format Award at Mipcom 2017.
Kalel has also had success with various recently launched branded entertainment series, including, Teachers on Tour, in partnership with the Department for Education. And the Campaign Award-nominated Stand Up Road Trip in association with Tourism Ireland, both for Channel 4’s YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook channels.
Jon Creamer
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