Australia’s SBS hires Netflix co-production exec as scripted commissioner

While The Men Are Away (Source: Red Arrow Studios International)

Australian pubcaster SBS has hired Netflix’s co-production chief in Australia as a commissioning editor for scripted.

Nakul Legha, who starts today, worked across the streamer’s local content strategy in Australia and New Zealand and worked on shows including Boy Swallows Universe, Wellmania and Onefour: Against All Odds.

He also led local film and TV licensing and co-productions, including co-commissioning the upcoming children’s animated series, Eddie’s Lil’ Homies, with National Indigenous Television (NITV).

Nakul Legha (Source: SBS)

Legha was at the ABC prior to Netflix and will now work across SBS’s scripted development and production slate, as well as SBS’s digital originals initiative. The scheme, operated in partnership with Screen Australia, aims to showcase creative talent from historically under-represented areas.

Legha reports into fellow Netflix alum Julie Eckersley, who was name head of scripted at SBS in 2021.

She said: “Nakul has a wonderful enthusiasm for Australian storytelling, a passion for supporting and elevating voices that reflect the dynamic diversity of contemporary Australia, and sharing these stories with a global audience.

“We’re delighted to have to have him join the team at an exciting time for SBS as we continue to push boundaries in creating distinct, exciting and entertaining television.”

Legha was born in Rajasthan, India, and grew up in Bhutan before moving to Australia. On his appointment, he added: “As a migrant kid, who didn’t speak any English and grew up in Western Sydney, watching and listening to SBS helped me understand my new home and find belonging here.

“Years later, I’m so proud to be joining SBS and its award-winning scripted team. I look forward to the privilege of working with Australia’s best creatives in making bold, distinctive Australian stories that continue to define what it means to be Australian and resonate with audiences at home and across the world.”

SBS’s original dramas include While The Men Are Away, Erotic Stories and four-part series Safe Home, which is also currently airing in the US on Hulu.