Discovery prodco hires for features, male shows

Discovery Networks International’s UK-based prodco Betty has hired a pair of executives as part of moves to ramp of production of features and male-skewed programming.

Adventure programming showrunner David Harrison, who has worked at companies such as Tern TV and Zodiak Media and run his own indie, Ambition Productions, will look to expand Betty’s adventure and male-skewing factual programming.

Harrison developed Kings of the Wild, a Betty production for Discovery Networks International, starring hunter Josh James and chef Matt Tebbutt (pictured).

Kate Morey will become an executive producer, initially taking on Channel 4 series Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners: Country House Rescue. She joins after a stint at Fresh One Productions, where she executive produced House of Hypochondriacs, also for Channel 4.

Their appointments come after the hire of Ceri Jones, who is executive producing Super Couponers: Holiday (WT) for Channel 4.

With a new series of Bear Grylls: Mission Survive under way and our recent Bear project for China, our adventure output has really taken off in the past year,” said Betty’s managing director, Neil Smith. “David is perfectly placed to develop and produce the next generation of male-skewing shows.

“Kate and Ceri are great hirings for Betty – as a portfolio company we need execs who are equally comfortable delivering features and factual entertainment shows and with experience in both these genres, plus developing new programmes, they are the perfect choice.”