MultistoryMedia expands its creative team

MultiStory Media has promoted Simone Haywood to Creative Director of MultiStory London.“Simone is fearless about breaking new ground and grabbing big ideas by the horns, which is why she has been instrumental in developing, pitching and producing some of MultiStory's most exciting series," Chief Creative Officer Ana de Moraes said. "Both broadcasters and producers love working with her and we are excited to give her the opportunity to take the next step in her career, building MultiStory's entertainment slate with Jon Cahn and Zinia Scroggs, both rising stars whose talents are incredible additions to our team.” 

Under her new role, Haywood will help build on the label’s output alongside Ceri Aston, Creative Director, MultiStory North. She will report to de Moraes. After serving as MultiStory Media's Head of Factual Entertainment for four years, Haywood has helped deliver popular programs, including "Scared of the Dark" for Channel 4, BBC "Three’s Project Icon" (co-produced with ITV America) and "Big Flower Fight" for Netflix, and overseen the globally successful "Come Dine With Me for Channel 4, including the launch of new spin-off "Come Dine With Me: The Professionals." The changes are made in correlation with the rapid growth of the company'sentertainment slate. This year, for example, the company is set to launch "Project Icon" and "Scared of the Dark," adding to hit returners such as "All Star Musicals" and "Come Dine With Me."

Meanwhile, the company has welcomed Jon Cahn as Executive Producer. He comes aboard soon after working for "Scared of the Dark," which is hosted by Danny Dyer and sees a group of celebrities living for eight days in the dark. Cahn’s wide ranging credits include "Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins," "Married at First Sight," "Sink or Swim" and "The Bridge." “I’m beyond thrilled to have joined MultiStory at this exciting juncture," Jon Cahn said. "The chance to learn from and work alongside TV titans like Tim, Ana and Simone was a huge draw. I’m excited to see what we can all create together.”

In addition, Zinia Scroggs is joining as Series Editor. Zinia is currently working on "Project Icon," the six part music competition which launches this Sunday on BBC Three. Zinia previously series produced BBC "Three’s Glow Up," while "The Apprentice," "Race Across the World and First Dates Hotel are among Zinia’s other credits. Both Jon and Zinia will report into Simone. “I’m so excited to be joining MultiStory’s Entertainment team," Scroggs said. "The opportunity to work alongside some of the industry's top creative brains like Tim, Ana, Simone and Jon is just amazing! I’m looking forward to making more brilliant TV together.” 

The new appointments form part of a change of strategy as the label's slate now falls into entertainment or documentaries. The company's slate includes show like "Scared of the Dark," "Project Icon" and "Dubai Hustle," and "Factual," including Paul O’ Grady’s "For The Love of Dogs," "The Martin Lewis Money Show" and "Peston." The changes also follow the recent launch of the label’s new documentary unit, led by Head of Documentaries and Current Affairs, Mike Blair, which secured its first ITVX commission "Waco: A British Tragedy," among other deals. “With the support of a dream team of excellent program makers in Jon and Zinia, I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to grow MultiStory's entertainment slate and build on our reputation for delivering groundbreaking series of  scale and ambition," Haywood said.