SPT axes format acquisition arm

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is ditching its non-scripted formats acquisition division, resulting in several senior departures, C21 has learned.

Lisette Van Diepen

Lisette Van Diepen, VP of non-scripted format acquisitions, had spent 15 years at Endemol before joining SPT to set up the acquisition department in 2009.

She was responsible for sourcing and acquiring third-party entertainment formats for in-house production but is now leaving along with Eric Kafoe, who had been director of non-scripted format acquisitions. Their next moves are not yet known. An assistant role is also being axed.

C21 understands the departures are part of a wider shift in strategy from SPT International Production as it prepares to ramp up attention on scripted and its own unscripted formats, leaving its non-scripted formats acquisitions team surplus to requirements.

The firm will also increase its focus on early-stage development with format creators and broadcasters via the London-based team, led by Sarah Edwards, head of international creative development for SPT.

SPT already has partnerships with Japan’s Nippon TV and Welsh broadcaster S4C to develop and produce non-scripted formats for local and international markets, with the latter agreement now in its second year.

The company will also be increasing its focus on scripted via its portfolio of prodcos including Australia’s Playmaker Media and London-based Left Bank Pictures, which is behind The Crown for Netflix.