Sky Vision poaches Sony’s Munnich

The international distribution arm of UK satcaster Sky has poached Sony Pictures Television’s senior VP for the UK, Ireland and Africa, Kylie Munnich.

Sky Vision has appointed Munnich its director, drama and comedy. The position is a new one, which will see her work with Sky’s drama and comedy commissioners to develop scripted programming.

She will report to Sky Vision managing director Jane Millichip upon joining the company in January 2015, and make up part of a new senior management team that also includes director of factual and entertainment Barnaby Shingleton, director of sales strategy and operations Olivier Jacquet, director of programming and development Danny Tipping and director of finance Mike Shanks.

TBI revealed earlier this year Sky Vision was searching for a drama and comedy chief following an internal review Millichip led earlier this year. One result of the evaluation was the exit of commercial director Connie Hodson, who later joined Fox International Channels Content Sales.

Shingleton was then drafted in from Zodiak Rights to take the entertainment and factual post.

“We are delighted to have found an executive of Kylie’s caliber,” said Millichip. She comes with a huge amount of experience and a great reputation. I am confident that she will help us accelerate our ambitions in scripted television.”

“I’m really looking forward to joining the team at Sky Vision and continuing the investment in quality television programming for which Sky is renowned,” added Munnich.

Meanwhile, Sky Vision has signed an exclusive development and distribution deal with UK start-up indie Chalkboard TV. Sky will provide support for Chalkboard’s new projects while in development, and then take them to the international market.

Chalkboard, which former Shine Network managing director Ben Hall set up with Mike Benson and Warwick Banks, is best known for primetime gameshow Don’t Ask Me.

Sky Vision launched that show at MIPCOM, and is now in “advanced discussions with a number of broadcasters” over remakes.

“It’s not often that a new production company is formed focusing on entertainment and fronted by such an experienced team as those at Chalkboard TV,” said Shingleton.

“The ambitions for both Chalkboard TV and for Sky Vision are totally aligned; the creation and distribution of entertainment programming of scale and quality with global appeal.”