eOne bolsters alternative efforts

Transatlantic producer and distributor Entertainment One (eOne) is expanding its US alternative programming division with three new first-look agreements and a new development VP.

David Shaye becomes VP of development for US alternative programming at eOne Television, joining the company from US producer Evolution Media, where he was also VP of development and co-executive producer on shows including Botched and Beverly Hills Nannies.

He will report to eOne Television senior VP of alternative programming Tara Long.

eOne’s new first-look deals are with producers Kevin Healey, Riaz Patel and Ben Bitonti.

Healey is creator and producer of shows including Scare Tactics, Betty White’s Off Their Rockers and Win Ben Stein’s Money.

Emmy-nominated Patel’s credits as executive producer and director include the US version of How to Look Good Naked, Why Can’t I Be You? and Into Character. Through his Axial Entertainment prodco, he has executive produced pilots and series for US cable channels MTV, TLC, A&E and Bravo.

Former agent and talent manager Ben Bitonti, whose Moneystache Entertainment was previously based at NBCUniversal, has created and developed projects for E!, VH1, Lifetime, SyFy and MTV.

Launched in 2012, eOne’s US alternative programming division has developed and produced shows including Mary Mary and SWV Reunited for WE TV and The Sheards for BET.