AMC ups Dan McDermott, adding acquisition & scheduling remits

Dan McDermott

AMC Networks has upped original programming and studio president Dan McDermott to an expanded role covering acquisitions.

McDermott becomes president of entertainment & AMC Studios with a remit that continues to include originals and production, but also adds responsibility for business affairs, scheduling, acquisitions and talent relationships.

He will work across AMC channel brands including flagship AMC, BBC America and SundanceTV, as well as streamers such as Shudder and AMC+.

Some of the new remit was previously held by AMC Networks veteran Ed Carroll, who revealed in September he would be stepping down at the end of the year after more than three decades with the company. His exit will follow that of Josh Sapan, who is exiting as president & CEO.

McDermott joined AMC last year having been in charge of BBC Studios and Lionsgate’s joint programming venture. Since then, he has taken on responsibility for AMC Networks’ entertainment after its president Sarah Barnett stepped down last summer.

His new reports include AMC’s head of business affairs Rafael Gomez, EVP of content & inventory David Epstein, and EVP of public relations Marnie Black.

Matt Blank, who was named interim CEO of AMC Networks earlier this year, said: “[Dan’s] new responsibilities allow him to have an even greater impact on our continued success engaging fans and driving popular culture through our linear networks and array of fast-growing targeted streaming services, including AMC+.”

McDermott added: “2022 will be the biggest year for original programming in our history and the ability to reach fans on expanding array of platforms, including a one-of-its-kind service like AMC Plus, is very exciting.”