UK factual label Workerbee appoints Matthew Winter to head up development

Matthew Winter (Source: Banijay)

Matthew Winter has been appointed as director of development at Banijay-backed UK factual label Workerbee.

Reporting to Workerbee Group CEO Rick Murray and MD Michelle Chappell, and joining with immediate effect, Winter will be responsible for developing “the next wave of big ideas” across both formats and films.

He will lead the development team as to grow both the formats and documentary slate at the company that is behind titles such as Janet for A&E and Lifetime, Four Kings for Prime Video, Bruno V Tyson for Sky, Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge for NBC and Love Triangle for Channel 4.

Winter has worked within the Banijay Group since 2021, originally joining as head of development for Remarkable Factual, before being promoted to director of development for RDF. During this time, he developed shows including Grand Slammers for ITV, Lost Worlds With Ben Fogle for Channel 5 and The Big Interiors Battle for Channel 4.

Prior to joining Banijay, Matthew worked in senior development roles at indies including Boomerang, where he co-created Big Zuu’s Big Eats for Dave, and Optomen, where he co-created Sort Your Life Out for BBC One and Highlife for Channel 4.

Before that, he spent three years at ITV Studios Australia where he developed Rene Redzepi’s Noma Australia and helped create local versions of Love Island, Hell’s Kitchen, and The Chase.

“We weren’t actively looking for a director of development but with Matt everything changed,” said Murray. “His track record is seriously impressive, combine that with his infectious enthusiasm and deep understanding of the market and he makes a major addition the team.”