Camilla Cope, Sarah Forster promoted at Scotland’s STV Studios unscripted division  

Sarah Forster, left, and Camilla Cope

Scottish production group STV Studios (STVS) has promoted Camilla Cope to director, commercial and international, and Sarah Forster to director of production at its unscripted division.

Both executives will report to Paul Sheehan, STVS chief operating officer, with Cope set to lead the commercial strategy for the group’s unscripted labels.

She will work with creative leadership to maximise the value of content from financing through to international distribution and licensing. Cope’s remit also sees her support the expansion of STVS’ international footprint with a particular focus on the US.

Cope is promoted from her previous position as commercial director. Prior to its acquisition by STVS in 2024, she served as commercial director at Greenbird Media, where she oversaw the global rollout of hit format LEGO Masters.

Forster’s remit, meanwhile, is extended to cover more of STVS’ unscripted labels, including STV Studios Factual, Flicker Productions, Primal Media and Rumpus Media, as well as standalone entertainment titles produced under the STVS brand. Based in Glasgow, she will lead the unscripted production, from development to delivery.

Forster joined STVS in late 2018 as production manager for STV Studios Factual and most recently served as head of production. In that capacity she oversaw a content slate including The Beauty Queen and the Catfish (BBC Three), Disease X: Hunting the Next Pandemic (BBC Two), and Antiques Road Trip (BBC One).

Forster said she is looking forward to collaborating with the group’s wider unscripted labels to bring projects to life for broadcasters and streamers both in the UK and overseas.

STV Group bosses bemoaned a commissioning slowdown and weak advertising market in its full year financial results for 2025, which were issued this week.

However, the “resilience” of its production arm was praised, with earnings from STVS more stable than the wider group.

Cope said: “In an increasingly challenging market, a strong and aligned commercial strategy is more important than ever, and I’m looking forward to working with our creative leaders to build on the group’s international momentum, strengthen partnerships and drive long-term growth for STV Studios.”

Commenting on both appointments, David Mortimer, CEO, STVS, said: “Camilla and Sarah both have a proven track record of success in their respective fields at STV Studios.

“As we continue to grow our unscripted slate and deliver more top-tier programming that translates internationally, Camilla and Sarah’s talents will be invaluable. I’m delighted to see them move into these elevated roles within our team.”