Rare hires Pioneer creative director

Fledgling consolidator Rare Television has hired UK indie Pioneer Productions’ creative director Ailsa Orr.

She will be head of creative and international strategy at Rare’s factual subsidiary 360 Production, whose current creative chief, John Farren will move on to an advisory position.

Orr is also a former head of programmes at BBC Northern Ireland.

“I couldn’t think of anyone I would rather see at the creative helm of 360 and I am confident that, under Ailsa’s guidance, the company will continue from strength to strength,” said Farren.

London-based Rare launched last year, and quickly snapped up Rome: The Rise of A Super Power producer 360, plus Screen Channel Television (Fake Britain). It also secured a development deal with Baby Grand Productions.

Rare CEO Anthony, who created the company with former RHI Entertainment chief Joel Denton, said of Orr’s hire: “Her appointment not only cements 360’s position as a leading producer of factual programming in Northern Ireland and London, but also marks a turning point where 360 further extends its reach into popular factual programming and targets new international markets.

“At the same time we believe John will make a significant impact across the group by bringing his 360 approach to bear on our broader content strategy.”