AMC rejigs int’l networks & streaming content teams under Kristin Jones

A Discovery Of Witches

AMC Networks is restructuring its international programming group, with Kristin Jones promoted to a new role with a new remit across its networks and streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV and Sundance Now.

Jones, AMC’s EVP of international programming, will head up the newly enlarged division and be responsible for finding and developing series from around the world.

Kristin Jones

She will oversee co-productions, acquisitions and commissions across the company’s four entertainment networks (AMC, BBC America, IFC and Sundance TV), as well as the streaming services Acorn TV, Sundance Now and AMC+ Premium.

New-look team

Her team will include Catherine Mackin, MD of Acorn Media Enterprises, the UK-based development division that commissions, co-produces and co-finances English-language scripted shows. Its slate includes Agatha Raisin and Keeping Faith, as well as Whitstable Pearl and The Chelsea Detective.

Jones’s team will also include: Don Klees, Acorn TV’s SVP of programming; Sundance Now’s VP of programming Shannon Cooper; and Noel Manzano, VP of international programming at AMC Networks.

The rejig, which TBI understands will not involve any job losses, comes as AMC looks to supercharge its streaming services following the launch of AMC+ on Apple and Amazon Prime Video platforms last autumn.

State Of The Union

It also marks another step up the rung for Jones, who landed at AMC in 2014 and has since secured series such as Humans, The Night Manager, McMafia, State Of The Union, A Discovery Of Witches, Top Of The Lake and Riviera. Her international team recently acquired Gangs Of London and The Salisbury Poisonings.

Streaming-first strategy

Dan McDermott, president of original programming for AMC Networks and AMC Studios, said the changes were part of his company’s strategy to “increasingly orient” around AMC+ and its other streamers.

These would, he added, operate independently and with linear television networks, creating “some real benefits and opportunities associated with having one dedicated group scouring the globe and building the relationships that will continue to deliver high-quality, distinctive, buzzy and pop culture-driving programming.”

“These are the shows that help define our relationships with viewers, across all of our networks and streaming services, and Kristin has demonstrated her ability to lead this critically important and expanded group.”

The changes follow last year’s rejig that saw streaming boss Miguel Penella add AMC+ to his remit. In April, the company also expanded the responsibilities of senior execs Courtney Thomasma, Matt Graham and Blake Callaway as part of its pivot to focus on DTC.