NENT, FilmNation hire Expectation exec

Nordic Entertainment (NENT) Group and indie film studio FilmNation Entertainment have appointed a new creative director for their UK-based TV drama joint venture.

Kirstie Macdonald

Kirstie Macdonald arrives from Peter Fincham and Tim Hincks’ UK prodco Expectation to lead the recently announced JV, which will operate under the FilmNation umbrella.

Macdonald will build the as-yet-unnamed company’s production slate of TV dramas and head project development and sourcing. She will start her new position in November, after overseeing the launch of Expectation’s new series Guilt for BBC2 and BBC Scotland.

She is currently creative director of drama at Expectation and prior to that worked for ITV-owned World Productions on series such as the BBC’s Line of Duty, Save Me for Sky Atlantic, and Channel 4’s Bafta-winning The Fear.

Glen Basner and Milan Popelka, FilmNation Entertainment CEO and COO respectively, said: “Kirstie’s taste perfectly aligns with our own, and her reputation, incredible relationships within the industry and track record of developing bold and compelling shows make her a perfect fit for this leadership role in our joint venture.”

Macdonald added: “I’m such a big fan of FilmNation’s output – their integrity as storytellers and their talent relationships are second to none, and the reach this partnership with NENT Group gives makes this a fantastic opportunity to create some truly original television.”

The JV between the two companies was announced in January, and was established to develop, produce, and finance premium scripted content.

Its creative team is still being assembled. The business will work in collaboration with a number of UK studios and financiers to produce content for the global market. NENT Group holds the exclusive Nordic media rights to all the venture’s productions.

FilmNation has produced and financed films that have garnered 40 Oscar nominations and eight wins. It is known for titles such as Arrival and The Big Sick.