BBC Studios LA Productions recruits ‘Ghosts’ execs to North American scripted team

Ghosts (US) (Source: BBC)

BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions has appointed creative executives Rachel Bendavid and Angie Stephenson to its North American scripted team.

Both have been named EVPs of scripted programming, reporting into Valerie Bruce, head and general manager of BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions. The pair will work closely with BBC Studios Productions’ president of scripted, Mark Linsey, with all three executives based in the Los Angeles office.

Rachel Bendavid (Source: BBC Studios)

In their new roles, Stephenson and Bendavid will work with UK and US talent to reimagine British formats for the US market, making the most of the BBC Studios library while also developing original programming.

BBC Studios’ Los Angeles scripted production business is behind titles including the US version of scripted comedy format Ghosts, which has just premiered its third season on CBS.

Both execs are well-acquainted with the project, with Bendavid joining BBC Studios from her role as the head of scripted programming for the co-production partnership between Lionsgate and BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions, which launched Ghosts. Prior to that, she was VP of drama programming for ABC Entertainment where she oversaw shows including The Good Doctor and Once Upon A Time and has also served as VP of drama development for Fox, where she oversaw Fringe and Glee.

Angie Stephenson (Source: BBC Studios)

Stephenson has meanwhile been elevated from her prior role as BBC Studios’ SVP of scripted development, where she oversaw both comedy and drama and identified and developed content for US buyers, across streaming and broadcast. She further serves as BBC Studios’ executive producer for Ghosts and was also executive producer for Welcome To Flatch, Call Me Kat and The Night Of, as well as co-producer on Da Vinci’s Demons.

Stephenson originally joined BBC Studios as VP of programming, co-production and acquisition, responsible for developing international co-productions, identifying formats and program acquisition. Previously, she oversaw the BBC Talent division in the UK.

“Rachel and Angie are both exceptionally accomplished, and I have confidence that they will combine their talents to help us fuel the continued growth of our scripted business,” said Bruce.