Mortimer takes STV production role

The production arm of Scottish broadcaster STV has hired industry veteran David Mortimer from Tinopolis as its new MD following the departure of Alan Clements.

David Mortimer

David Mortimer will oversee production teams in Glasgow and London at STV Productions, with a brief to turn it into one of the UK’s leading production companies. Clements left the company in April.

Mortimer’s remit includes repositioning the brand to focus on developing returning series for terrestrial and SVoD players across both scripted and unscripted programming, with a focus on the nations and regions.

At Tinopolis, Mortimer was director of content, heading up the group’s scripted and unscripted strategy across production companies in the UK and US, delivering a turnover of over £200m (US$258m).

He oversaw production companies including Firecracker Films and Mentorn in the UK and in the US helped secure new commissions including Nailed It from Magical Elves for Netflix and The Titan Games from A Smith & Co for NBC.

In his new role, he will establish new creative production partnerships and pilot a range of new programme formats.

Mortimer also previously served as senior VP of factual and entertainment at NBCUniversal, where he won commissions from key territories including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, France and Germany with programmes including Made in Chelsea (Channel 4), The Real Housewives franchise (Bravo) and Driving School of Mum & Dad (Sky1).

He also ran Fever Media, focusing on entertainment and factual formats, winning commissions and format sales. His credits include The People’s Quiz (BBC1), No Place Like Home (ITV), Move Like Michael Jackson (BBC3), 71 Degrees North (ITV) and America’s Next Top Pop Group (MTV).

“I think there’s huge untapped potential at STV Productions, so I can’t wait to get going and help our team develop and sell shows in the UK and internationally,” said Mortimer. “The opportunity to launch our own formats on STV is particularly exciting and potentially gives us an amazing competitive advantage.”

Simon Pitts, CEO at STV, said of Mortimer: “He has developed, produced and run some of the biggest shows on television, both in the UK and the US, and his vast experience will help us establish STV Productions as a major industry player over the next few years.”

Mortimer’s appointment is part of STV’s three-year strategy for creative and digital growth which will see the business invest £15m in new original content and digital.

Earlier this year, STV Productions continued its overhaul of its management structure by promoting Claire Armspach to head of drama development. New heads of daytime and popular factual had previously been announced.

The broadcaster then axed one of its channels, revamped its on-demand service and cut 59 jobs after agreeing a deal to sell part of its operation and focus on digital.