DLT hires Channel 4, Maverick alumni

US and UK-based production and distribution company DLT Entertainment has brought on board a pair of executives who previously worked with UK broadcaster Channel 4 and prodco Maverick.

Darren Smith

Darren Smith and Phil Tredinnick have been appointed creative director and head of entertainment development respectively, tasked with developing new entertainment and comedy formats for domestic and international audiences.

In the newly created role of creative director, Smith joins DLT from So Television, where he fulfilled the same position.

Formerly Channel 4’s comedy and entertainment commissioner, Smith has also worked at Endemol-backed Initial, where he was head of entertainment, and Twofour, where he was head of comedy entertainment.

Phil Tredinnick

In addition, Smith previously worked in development roles at Zeppotron and as a commissioner, helping to launch shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and Friday Night Dinner.

Meanwhile, Tredinnick will report to Smith as head of entertainment development. Tredinnick was formerly head of quiz at Maverick TV, where he devised quiz and gameshow formats in conjunction with All3Media International.

Prior to this, he was head of development at Crackit and also previously worked at Tuesday’s Child and John Stanley Productions. His credits include The Secret Life of a Hospital Bed for BBC1 and Save Money: Good Food for ITV.

The appointments follow DLT’s recent investments in Blue Book Management, Soho Agency and MMB Creative, as it seeks to “create greater synergy between talent and the creation of original content.”