Ex-Discovery exec switches to Electric

The Perth-based prodco behind Discovery series Aussie Gold Hunters has hired an experienced factual executive as its new head of development.

Thierry Bled

Thierry Bled is joining Electric Pictures to run the company’s development team, having most recently worked as an executive producer for Discovery.

He will build on an existing slate that also includes Drain The Oceans for Nat Geo and 100 Days to Victory for pay TV operator Foxtel and Corus Entertainment in Canada.

Originally from the US, Bled has worked as a director, producer and executive producer on a number of high-profile series including Aussie Gold Hunters, Outback Opal Hunters, Railroad Australia, Bushwhacked!, Emmy-winning Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, Top Chef and Project Runway.

In Australia, he has worked as an executive producer for Discovery and commissioning editor for pubcaster the ABC.

Electric Pictures CEO Andrew Ogilvie said: “I look forward to working with Thierry. He is joining the company at a very important time in its history. In recent years we have embraced new genres of programming, and have considerably increased our production capacity. We are now poised for further growth and I am sure Thierry will make a major contribution towards this aim.”