Humphreys to make mark on Chalkboard

UK producer Chalkboard Television has appointed a former BBC and Shine TV exec to head a newly formed Scottish label.

Natalie Humphreys

Natalie Humphreys becomes MD of Glasgow-based Storyboard Studios, which is being launched by Humphreys with London-based Chalkboard and its founder and director Mike Benson, building on Chalkboard’s existing Scotland base.

Storyboard Studios will develop and produce content for UK and international partners along with partnering with Chalkboard on existing and original concepts. The label already has significant funded projects in development for major broadcasters, details of which have not yet been revealed.

Humphreys will work alongside series producer Jon Willers, who moved from the BBC last October, with further hires to be announced in the coming weeks.

Humphreys joined the BBC in 2011 as head of specialist factual before going on to become UK controller of factual and daytime, overseeing around 1,000 hours of UK-produced content. She left the organisation ahead of the launch of commercial subsidiary BBC Studios.

Her portfolio included the BBC’s flagship early-evening magazine and chatshow, The One Show, and the BBC’s world-renowned Natural History Unit, as well as series such as Planet Earth II, Countryfile and Trust Me, I’m a Doctor.

Before joining the BBC, Humphreys served as head of specialist factual at Shine Television and has conceived and executive produced content for numerous UK and global broadcasters, including ITV, Channel 4, Sky, PBS, National Geographic, Discovery, Animal Planet, France Television, NDR and Arte.

Humphreys said: “We see the launch of Storyboard as a natural evolution of the exceptional productions Chalkboard has already made in Glasgow. It also signals our intent to commit 100% to Scotland and its creative community. For me, personally, Glasgow is my home and I’m passionate about creating world-class content here.”

Benson added: “I’ve known Natalie for more than 10 years and she’s quite simply one of the most respected originators and creative execs in the business. Her decision to partner with us and lead Storyboard Studios into the future is an endorsement of both our creative and commercial ambition.”

Storyboard, like Chalkboard, is part of independent production group, IZEN, which also includes Elephant in France, Zebra in Spain and iMagic in the Middle East.