BBC Studios adds ex-Fremantle exec for Science

BBC Studios Science has added Sundog Pictures and former FremantleMedia factual producer Claudia Lewis to its ranks.

Lewis (pictured) joins the label, which is one of six unscripted divisions BBC Studios Factual is currently launching, as development executive.

She transfers from indie Sundog Pictures, where she had been head of factual programmes since January, having previously been development exec at former BBC division BBC Production Science. She was also executive producer, factual at Fremantle-owned Boundless (formerly Talkback Thames).

Lewis’ has sold and executive-produced show such as BBC One’s How To Stay Young and The Truth About… Meat, BBC Two’s City in the Skies, Channel 4’s World’s Best Diet and Four Rooms, and BBC Three’s World’s Toughest Jobs.

She joins BBC Studios in November. BBC Studios Factual head of science Andrew Cohen said: “Claudia’s knowledge and experience of the domestic and international television markets is going to be utterly invaluable in seeking new coproduction partners and developing ideas for new audiences.

“Combined with our global reputation, unparalleled journalism and partnerships, this is an exciting appointment at a time when we are building on the strengths of BBC Science as a global brand.”

Science sits alongside Natural History Unit, Factual Scotland, Popular Factual, Documentaries, and Topical and Live in a new-look BBC Studios Factual.

Optomen Television’s Jon Swaine was last week hired to lead Popular Factual, while the establishment of Factual Scotland under Mark Hedgecoe led to the assimilation of BBC Religion and Ethics, and the exit of the long-serving Aaqil Ahmed.

Lisa Opie is running BBC Studios Factual as director, having previous been BBC controller of business for factual and daytime.

Subject to regulatory approval, UK pubcaster the BBC is debuting BBC Studios as a commercially-driven, fully BBC-owned subsidiary next year.