Barcroft brings in Vice alum

UK-based Barcroft Studios has hired a former Vice exec to lead its Channel 4-commissioned youth content strand.

Al Brown

Al Brown is joining as executive producer of content for 4Real. Together with Barcroft Studios founder and CEO Sam Barcroft, Brown will executive produce more than 100 original shortform factual films intended for distribution on social channels.

Brown previously spent a decade with Vice UK, joining in 2008 and working in various positions on the way to being appointed VP of programming for Vice Studios, with responsibility for the UK division.

He was a member of the team responsible for launching linear pay TV channel Viceland, online channel Vice News and Vice/Fremantle Media’s online network Munchies. Projects exec produced by Brown include global fashion series State of Undress and LGBTQ series Gaycation.

“Al is the perfect person to lead our 4Real content output,” said Barcroft. “His experience speaks for itself and he understands what content resonates with younger audiences. We’re excited to welcome Al on board as we seek to further grow our expertise across the business.”

The appointment follows the announcement last week that former Nerd TV founder John Farrar had joined Barcroft Studios as creative director, tasked with maximising the company’s longform content output.

The firm went through a restructure earlier this year that saw parent company Barcroft Holdings being renamed Barcroft Studios, with editorial content and distribution business Barcroft Media, linear and digital TV production division Barcroft Productions and branded content arm Barcroft Plus being phased out.