Youngest Media claims Victory exec

Fledgling prodco Youngest Media has appointed a leading UK formats executive as its director of entertainment, C21 can reveal.

Stuart Shawcross

Stuart Shawcross was previously creative director at Sony Pictures Television-owned Victory Television, which announced in March it was closing down after fives years.

In his new role Shawcross will help drive Youngest Media’s entertainment strategy, taking responsibility for developing the next generation of worldwide entertainment formats.

The exec previously created formats including the BBC’s The National Lottery: Win Your Wish List and Channel 4’s Five Minutes to a Fortune and Benchmark. He was also responsible for launching the live play-along app for ITV’s Who Wants to be a Millionaire?.

Youngest Media launched earlier this year by ex-Endemol Shine chairman Lucas Church and former Endemol Shine UK creative chief David Flynn.

The firm, which recently appointed C4 commissioning editor Jody Smith to lead its digital output, last week received its first commission from C4’s youth-skewing net E4.

David Flynn and Lucas Church

Youngest Media co-founder David Flynn said: “It’s very rare to find someone who’s comfortable starting with a blank sheet of paper and creating a hit series and Stuart is one of those people.

“Youngest is designed to be an independent place where the best creatives can do their best work, so we’re very pleased he’s joining us. I’m looking forward to plotting out the next big gameshow with him.”

Shawcross added: “I’ve admired David and Lucas’s work for a number of years and I’m really excited to be joining them. They’re a truly independent, creatively led company and have a fantastic team. I can’t wait to help Youngest become a formidable force, both in the UK and internationally.”

London-based prodco Youngest creates and produces shows for broadcasters while also focusing on content for digital platforms and branded content opportunities, including apps.