BBC Studios has forged a newly-created global formats role for Karl Warner in L.A.
Warner is relocating to the U.S. and being tasked with “identifying, partnering with, and scaling the next generation of creator led IP for global television formats” in an EVP, Global Creator Partnerships & Creative Development post, for which he will report to productions boss Zai Bennett.
The former Channel 4 digital chief joined BBC Studios two years back as Executive Vice President of UK Entertainment and Digital Development.
The idea is for him to identify IP and act as a bridge between the UK and global productions labels across unscripted. He will develop co-created IP and adapt formats for global audiences, while working closely with creator incubator TalentWorks and its chief Helen O’Donnell. The move feeds into Bennett’s attempts to think more globally having recently combined production and sales under a BBC Studios Global Content unit.
BBC Studios Entertainment Productions boss Suzy Lamb will take on his UK development remit and look after BBC Studios’ trio of entertainment labels in the UK.
Warner joins Mark Linsey, who works for BBC Studios on the scripted side in L.A., along with pre-existing BBC Studios U.S. teams. He is a former head of youth at Channel 4 and has also run production companies.
Bennett said: “Together, Suzy and Karl will help drive our creative ambitions and open new opportunities across markets and platforms. Karl’s new role is an important step in how we evolve our creative organisation and engage more deeply with the creator economy.”
