Ex-Rival chief exits Aussie prodco December

Former Rival Media co-chief Howard Myers has left his post as head of non-scripted and development at Australian indie December Media (Hidden Universe).

Myers (pictured) told TBI he had chosen to go freelance after his one-year contract at December had come to and end, and was now working on some “hands-on production” jobs and looking for a new permanent role.

His former company, Rival, produced major factual formats including Power Struggle, though he followed co-founder Steve Wynne out the door last year, swapping the UK for Australia.

“I’ve tried to focus on non-traditional content production rather than just local TV series, as I absolutely believe this is where the industry is heading,” Myers said of his focus in Australia.

He is now working with on projects with a variety of local production companies, commercial makers and children’s TV firms, including one with Beyond and another with a Canadian channel.

“Although even more in its infancy in Australia than, say, the UK or USA, brand-funded content, short-form and ideas that wouldn’t normally work within the strict – and more risk-averse – confines of the usual TV networks are where some of the most interesting and creative work is being done, from comedy through to factual,” Myers said.

He added: “I’m now using my skills and experience creating and producing for the more traditional TV markets worldwide, to create content for all sorts of media here.”

Melbourne-based December (fka December Films) is known for ABC drama The Doctor Blake Mysteries, and it also produces docu-drama and documentaries. Earlier this year former ABC2 chief Stuart Menzies joined as CEO to replace Heath Watt, who had exited for personal reasons.