AMC steps up non-US series push

AMC Networks is expanding the scope of its international programming group to make it responsible for finding and developing non-US series for all of its entertainment networks and streaming services.

Kristin Jones

The US-based channels and streamer operator will now have one dedicated group that sources content from around the world for its brands, which include AMC and SundanceTV, as well as its streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV and Sundance Now.

Kristin Jones, the company’s executive VP of international programming, will lead the group, having found and developed an extensive roster of international projects since joining AMC Networks in 2014.

These include Humans, The Night Manager, McMafia, State of the Union, A Discovery of Witches, Top of the Lake, Riviera, Gangs of London and The Salisbury Poisonings.

The new structure will see Jones and her team take responsibility for international programming development, coproductions, acquisitions and commissions.

This will apply across the company’s four entertainment networks, AMC, BBC America (a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC and Sundance TV, as well as streaming services Acorn TV, Sundance Now and fledgling premium bundle AMC+.

The group includes Catherine Mackin, MD of Acorn Media Enterprises (AME), Acorn TV’s UK-based development division, and Don Klees, senior VP of programming at Acorn TV.

AME works with producers, distributors, writers and broadcasters in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere to commission, coproduce and co-finance international English-language scripted shows.

Shannon Cooper, VP of programming at Sundance Now, will be responsible for developing and acquiring new and library content for the platform focused on “glossy international drama, gritty true crime and thought-provoking documentaries.”

Noel Manzano, VP of international programming at AMC Networks, joined the company in 2019 and is focused on identifying and developing original content with creative talent around the world for the company’s linear entertainment networks, and more recently, its streaming platforms as well.

“Great shows can come from anywhere, and as we increasingly orient our company around AMC+ and our targeted streaming businesses, working independently and also in concert with our linear television networks, we think there are some real benefits and opportunities associated with having one dedicated group scouring the globe and building the relationships that will continue to deliver high-quality, distinctive, buzzy and pop culture-driving programming,” said Dan McDermott, president of original programming for AMC Networks and AMC Studios. ‘

“These are the shows that help define our relationships with viewers, across all of our networks and streaming services, and Kristin has demonstrated her ability to lead this critically important and expanded group.”