BBC Studios Productions in the UK is launching a development label specialising in reality shows and has hired ITV’s commissioning editor of reality Peter Tierney to lead it.The new label will focus on scalable reality formats as well as mainstream entertainment, which will be produced and distributed by BBC Studios both in the UK and globally.It will sit as part of the newly-formed development division headed up by Karl Warner, exec VP of BBC Studios Entertainment and Digital Development, who joined from Channel 4 last year. 4-Alongside the reality label will be a factual entertainment label and the existing mixed entertainment label, Rebel Rebel Pictures.Underpinning all three labels is a new central development and design team led by Mel Bezalel, who joined the company from All3Media-owned prodco Optomen last month, which will provide creative and strategic support as well as pitch materials for them to take out to commissioners in the UK and internationally.During his seven years in commissioning at ITV, Tierney greenlit programmes across all of the broadcaster’s channels, including Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother. He also ordered series including The Fortune Hotel, Peckham’s Finest, Secret Crush and Killer Camp.In addition to this, his slate included various entertainment series such as Celebrity Juice, The Emily Atack Show, The Stand Up Sketch Show and Don’t Hate the Playaz.Prior to joining ITV’s commissioning team, Tierney worked across numerous entertainment and reality shows including I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Dancing On Ice and Love Island. He has also worked as a development producer throughout his career.Warner said: “Pete’s credentials in the reality genre speak for themselves so it’s a real coup he’s chosen to set up a new label with us. We have big, ambitious plans when it comes to reality, matched brilliantly with Pete’s creativity and passion for creating jaw-dropping television. We can’t wait to see what his new label come up with.”
©C21Media.