DRG names exec VP of content

MIPTV: Modern Times Group-backed distributor DRG has appointed a Shine Group and Cineflix alumnus as its exec VP of content as part of a wider shift in strategy from the UK-based company.

Dave Clarke

Dave Clarke will focus on driving DRG’s drama content strategy and building relationships with scripted producers and writers, as well as overseeing unscripted programming for the firm. The move is part of DRG’s efforts to pivot from being a distribution-only outfit into a more production-focused company.

Clarke previously worked on an interim basis as head of scripted acquisitions and coproductions at ITV Studios Global Entertainment, before joining DRG last year as a consultant for its drama commissioning club Atrium TV.

He will continue in his development role at Atrium, having helped to secure projects including Quasimodo from Rainmark Films, which is being written by Ashley Pharoah and is set to be produced by Frank Doelger (Game of Thrones) and David Tanner (The Frankenstein Chronicles).

Clarke has also worked on shows including The Cry from Synchronicity Films, which is being produced for the BBC, and has acquired programming for DRG including two-part drama Underbelly Files: Chopper, produced by Screentime for Nine Network in Australia.

His arrival comes almost a year after Noel Hedges, DRG’s former exec VP of content who was charged with overseeing acquisitions, joined producer and distributor Entertainment One.

DRG CEO Richard Halliwell said Clarke had “been a great addition to the team and has brought real value to both the DRG and Atrium TV businesses since he started as a consultant.”

He added: “We are all really pleased that we had the perfect opportunity to secure his talent on a full-time basis and look forward to having him at the helm, driving our overall content strategy as we continue to grow and transform the business in 2018.”

Clarke said DRG and Atrium TV’s “passion for working with exciting producers and writers to help develop and fund a varied slate of top-quality content matches my own ambitions. I’m keen to expand both of these scripted slates, along with DRG’s impressive catalogue of award-winning factual titles and formats.”