Barcroft hires ex-Maverick, Zinc execs

UK-based Barcroft Productions has added heads of development and production – a move CEO Sam Barcroft says “completes the jigsaw” of its management team.

Paul Woolf has been named development chief at the London-based prodco, which is part of the Barcroft Media group.

Woolf was most recently director of development at All3Media-owned Maverick Television, where he created Bizarre ER and Embarrassing Illnesses, which is part of the Embarrassing Bodies franchise. He also developed CBBC’s Operation Ouch.

Over two stints and 15 years at Maverick, Woolf also held posts such as development executive for the US and head of development.

Alison Seymour joins Barcroft as head of production after four years working as production executive at Zinc Media (fka Ten Alps), where she oversaw all budgetary and operational aspects of Blakeway Productions. She has also worked in production roles for BBC London Factual.

At Zinc she worked on projects for UK broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, which recently took a stake in Barcroft through its Growth Fund. She also has experience in international coproductions with the likes of PBS, Smithsonian Networks and HBO.

The hires come soon after those of Dom Smith, who became Barcroft Media head of editorial, and Victoria Catton, who has been named head of partnerships.

“Paul and Alison joining the company is a landmark moment for our production company business and completes the jigsaw for us when it comes to our senior management team,” said Sam Barcroft.

“We are very fortunate to have two extremely experienced and successful executives with us and coming on the back of Dom and Victoria’s appointments we’re now fully equipped to deliver on our growth plan with a strong team and a focused approach.”