Nat Geo poaches scripted boss from Endemol Shine

National Geographic’s channels division has hired Endemol Shine Studios exec Carolyn G. Bernstein as executive VP, head of global scripted development and production.

Fox-owned Nat Geo has been moving more heavily into scripted TV, as has its main rival, Discovery Communications.

At Nat Geo, Bernstein will be based in LA and oversee efforts to expand Nat Geo’s drama output and build, the company said, global drama franchises.

Bernstein joined Shine America in 2007 and since March had been executive VP at Endemol Shine Studios.

She joins Nat Geo on January 4, and reports to Courtney Monroe, National Geographic Global Networks CEO, who said: “We are incredibly fortunate Carolyn is joining the network to oversee our scripted efforts.”

“Her vast experience, exceptional creative taste and strong industry relationships will enable us to reach unprecedented new heights with our scripted endeavours in ways that support our brand and new programming vision.”

Bernstein’s credits include Gracepoint, the US version of UK series Broadchurch, and Utopia, the US remake of the British sci-fi series.

Speaking about her new role, she said: “The direction the network is headed is incredibly exciting, and I cannot wait to play a part in evolving the scripted content strategy.”

Nat Geo’s most recent scripted efforts is period drama Saints & Strangers. Its development slate includes Tom Fontana and Barry Levinson Vietnam war project Last Men Out and Mark Gordon World War II drama In Harm’s Way, which has Kevin Bacon attached.