NHNZ creates US ob-doc division

Natural History New Zealand has created a new US ob-doc unit, Outrun the Sun, and hired Abigail Rodriguez as vice president of development.

NHNZ created the US prodco to create character-based fact-ent and ob-docs for the US market. NHNZ already makes ob-docs including Redwood Kings, and said it wants to expand in this part of the factual business.

NHNZ said the Kiwi-based mothership will continue to focus on blue-chip and natural history programming.

Rodriguez said: “This is an incredible opportunity to expand on the brand that NHNZ has cultivated around the globe. I’m eager to begin developing compelling programming for the US market under Outrun the Sun.”

NHNZ managing director Kyle Murdoch added: “Outrun the Sun has a driving US-creative leading the charge in Abby. She has a real sense of what works, and what doesn’t and also has her hand on the pulse of the characters and access that will make all the difference to Outrun’s success.”

Rodriguez will be based in Washington DC, working alongside marketing and development specialist Shera Collins. Outrun in the Sun also has Katy Kassler on the staff, and she will work out of LA.