Entertainment One is continuing to firm up its scripted leadership this week, with the appointment of Universal exec Christopher Kennedy as development executive of UK television. “From my very first meeting, I was immediately drawn to Sharon’s creative conviction, her championing of bold and diverse storytellers, and her clear vision for eOne in the UK and Europe,” said Kennedy. “I’m thrilled to join such a talented team as we look to propel eOne’s UK scripted business to exciting new heights.”
In his new role, Kennedy will oversee development for the studio’s original scripted drama slate, with a focus on nurturing relationships with UK talent to create content for European and global markets. Kennedy will be based in London and report to Sharon Hughff, creative director of scripted TV for the UK, who joined eOne in February from Left Bank Pictures.“With his impeccable taste and strong talent relationships, [Kennedy is] the perfect addition to our growing development team as we look to boost our presence in the UK and attract the region’s best and brightest creatives to bring impactful stories to the UK market and beyond," Hughff said.
His appointment comes just a week after eOne promoted Jacqueline Sacerio and Gabriel Marano to co-heads of scripted TV development in the US, while in May, the company upped Amanda Bowman Gerisch to become SVP of scripted development. The appointment comes as Sharon Hughff, who joined eOne in February as creative director, scripted television, UK, looks to build out her own team. Hughff joined eOne from Left Bank Pictures, tasked with overseeing eOne’s scripted team and pipeline in the UK while also leading efforts to grow its slate of projects for international buyers in Europe and Asia.
Kennedy arrives from Universal International Studios, where he developed series such as Everyone Else Burns for Channel 4, Dodger for the BBC and Darkness Rising for Channel 4 & Peacock. During his three-year tenure with UIS, Kennedy was part of the team that made a creative push into continental Europe, helping to shepherd the development of series including Everyone Else Burns for Channel 4 and Dodger for BBC. He also worked on shows such as Peter Kosminsky’s Darkness Rising for Channel 4 and Peacock.