Zodiak hires BBCWW drama head

UK-based distributor Zodiak Rights has appointed BBC Worldwide’s head of drama to a newly created position leading its own drama acquisitions.

Chris Stewart

The international sales arm of production outfit Zodiak Media has brought in Chris Stewart as head of scripted acquisitions.

Stewart will report to head of scripted Caroline Torrance, who also moved to Zodiak from the commercial arm of the BBC a year ago to lead its scripted acquisitions team in Paris and work with producers on forthcoming projects.

Stewart, who has been at BBCWW for the last three years overseeing acquisitions and in-house drams such as Doctor Who, will start his new role in early December.

Prior to his stint at the BBC he was a commissioner at 2entertain Video, a DVD and VoD joint venture between BBCWW and now defunct retailer Woolworths.

Zodiak said the appointment is part of its continued commitment to increase drama output in-line with growing market demand.

The company already has Nordic noir series including Henning Mankell’s Wallander and upcoming Joe Nesbø thriller Occupied on its slate via its Yellow Bird imprint, along with distribution rights to Haut et Court French supernatural hit Les Revenants (The Returned).