ABC Oz hires indie execs for commissioning roles

ABC TV has recruited Julie Hanna and Stephen Oliver as commissioners in its factual department.

The pair will join the Australian pubcaster next month. Hanna joins from the Australian division of Keo Films, where she is currently producing Bullied for the ABC, the local version of edgy factual format The Bully Project. Before Keo she was at ITV Studios for a decade.

Oliver also worked on Bullied and also counts Keeping Australia Alive, Bullied, Conviction, Man Up and Ice Wars among his credits.

Both new recruits will report to head of factual Steve Bibb, himself a former indie producer.

“Julie and Stephen have the ideal blend of creative spark, passion and experience that will continue to drive ABC Factual,” he said. “Both are respected story tellers and I’m delighted they’re joining as we continue to build on the excellent work of this department and lead the way in factual television in Australia.”

Oliver added: “Having spent years out in the field, often literally, and locked away in edit suites making shows, I am excited and privileged to have the opportunity to be part of the team that decides what Australians watch on their national broadcaster.”