Back2back Productions has received investment from UKTV to produce a new eight-part series, Ultimate Movers, for its Dave channel.

Additionally, ex-Channel 4 commissioner Stef Wagstaffe has been appointed to the role of development executive for the Brighton-based independent.
 
back2back is partnering with UKTV and Viasat World on Ultimate Movers, an access-led series that unpacks the UK’s supersizing delivery business which, fuelled by internet shopping, is now topping £10bn a year in turnover. UKTV acquisitions manager Daniel Thomas brokered the pre-investment deal for UKTV.
 
The series is slated for release later this year, will be executive produced by back2back founder David Notman-Watt with Luke Hales, Dave channel director, and Daniel Thomas for UKTV. Series producer is Chris Barham with the global rights held by DCD Rights.
 
Stef Wagstaffe started her career in the UK as a self-shooting documentary-maker focusing on vulnerable youth, crime and homelessness, Wagstaffe then moved to the US to work as showrunner on multiple seasons of Wife Swap. While in the US, she also launched Undercover Boss on CBS, which garnered an audience of 38 million. On her return to the UK, Wagstaffe was appointed commissioning editor at Channel 4, where she launched Great Canal Journeys and Married at First Sight. She moved on to work independently for both UK and US broadcasters. Her latest credits include Superfoods: The Real Story and a Food Unwrapped Brexit special for Channel 4, and a documentary series about children in foster care for A&E in the US.
 
Wagstaffe said: “It’s a brilliant opportunity to be joining back2back at such an exciting moment in its history. The company has the drive, the team and the infrastructure — and I’m here to generate projects to build on the excellent work already being done.”
 
Wagstaffe is the fourth creative executive to join back2back’s development team in the last six months. Three hires were made in December: Anna Boronat as head of production, Claire Hamilton as senior production executive and Mitzi David as junior production executive. The creative team, now led by Wagstaffe, is currently in production on more than 60 hours of both new and returning programming. back2back’s full-time staff now numbers 55.
 
David Notman-Watt said: ‘Stef’s extensive track record and experience on both sides of the Atlantic is a hugely important hire for back2back. We as a company are continuing to pursue our growth strategy by establishing returning franchises, such as Ultimate Movers, on both digital and terrestrial platforms here and abroad.’
 
 

Staff Reporter

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