Blink hires Discovery exec for US expansion

UK-based Blink Films has hired Science Channel exec Brad Kohlenstein as senior VP, development to head a new US office.

Kohlenstein (pictured) will be senior VP, development, working closely with Blink’s executive team of Dan Chambers, Justine Kershaw and Sarah Sapper.

The launch of an East Coast office comes after Rockpool Investments-owned Tin Roof Media bought into Blink.

Kohlenstein, who is currently VP of development for Discovery Communications-owned Science Channel, will look to develop and produce shows for US networks, while coproduction opportunities in the international market.

“Brad has a track record in producing globally renowned factual programming and we are delighted to have attracted someone of his calibre as we expand our presence in the US,” said Chambers and Kershaw. “We are confident he will help to rapidly build the company’s roster of productions for both a domestic and international audience.”

Blink is behind new BBC Four and PBS neuroscience-themed coproduction The Brain and has produced shows such as Driving Wars, Ancients Behaving Badly and Monty Don’s Italian Gardens.

The company launched in 2007 and this year sold a majority stake to Tin Roof, the new media investment group of industry veterans Neil Court, Charles Wace and Charles Ogilvie.

New recruit Kohlenstein has worked for other Discovery channels such as TLC, and produced shows for VH1, Food Network, Travel Channel and Nickelodeon.