Bauer to head StudioCanal’s US push

Rola Bauer, CEO and partner at StudioCanal’s Tandem Productions, has been given an expanded role to oversee all StudioCanal productions in the US.

Rola Bauer

Bauer’s new role will see her co-ordinate activities for StudioCanal’s production and partnership companies’ scripted formats and coproductions in the US, as well as working with Universal Music Group, owned by StudioCanal parent Vivendi.

She will also be responsible for strategic alliances with writing and showrunning talent in the US for the studio’s TV division.

Dividing her time between LA and her Munich base, Bauer reports to Romain Bessi, chief operating officer and head of TV series at StudioCanal.

LA-based Gina Marcheschi – who joined Tandem Productions as exec VP of development last July – will support Bauer in her additional role based in StudioCanal’s LA offices.

Meanwhile, US sales will be handled by Katrina Neylon, StudioCanal’s exec VP of TV sales and marketing, who reports to Rodolphe Buet, the company’s president of international distribution and marketing.

Bauer has an extensive background in the US market, beginning in 1985 when she began helming coproductions.

Her recent credits include executive producer on both Spotless, which debuted on NBCUniversal Cable’s Esquire Network in November, and season three of Crossing Lines, which is currently rolling out in territories worldwide.

“Given Rola’s experience and contacts in the US, it was a logical decision that she take a more active role on behalf of all of our production and partnership companies’ scripted projects,” said StudioCanal CEO Didier Lupfer.

“Rola’s long-standing relationships and deep understanding of the US market is an asset that StudioCanal values and from which the entire television business unit can benefit.”

StudioCanal said it will continue to expand its global TV footprint with the acquisitions of production companies. Recently coming under its umbrella were the UK’s Red Production Company and Guilty Party.

The company is also a partner with Scandinavia’s SAM Productions.