AN initiative to increase the number of BBC network executives based in Scotland has made yet another appointment.
In the wake of Alan Tyler being made executive editor, Entertainment Commissioning, for Scotland and Northern Ireland; and Jo Street becoming executive producer, Daytime; Sam Anthony is to be the Knowledge commissioning executive producer.
Says the BBC, his role is “aimed at bolstering commissions in the nations”.
Adds the BBC: “Reporting to Emma Swain, head of Knowledge Commissioning, and Donalda MacKinnon, head of Programmes, BBC Scotland, Sam will build relationships with Scotland’s independent production companies and talent, help develop ideas with them and, once commissioned by the Knowledge commissioning editors, Sam will executive produce the programmes on behalf of the BBC.
“Through Sam, independent production companies based in Scotland will have more face-to-face time with commissioning and a champion to sell their ideas directly to the commissioning editors.”
He joins the BBC fresh from working with former head of BBC Two and Discovery Networks, Jane Root, on the foundation of her new production company, Nutopia, and the setting up of their first commission, a 12-part landmark series for the US called ‘The history of America – The story of us.’
Previously, he was creative director of Factual at Shine, as well as controller of Factual and Features at Granada Yorkshire, and acting senior vice-president of RDF Media Los Angeles.
His credits in the UK include Don’t Tell The Bride (BBC Three), Murder Squad (ITV1), Ship Mates (BBC One), Project Catwalk (Sky One), and The Clothes Show (UK Style).
In the US, he worked on Junkyard Wars (TLC) and Faking It USA (TLC).
