Fremantle’s senior vice president of non-scripted Angela Neillis to depart
Angela Neillis, senior VP of non-scripted content at the commercial and international department of Fremantle, is exiting after over a decade with the company.
Angela Neillis
Her departure from Fremantle follows a review of the RTL Group-owned production and distribution giant’s documentary and non-scripted distribution business. The news was first reported by Deadline.
C21 understands Fremantle’s documentaries and non-scripted distribution businesses will now have a joined up strategy, with global head of documentaries Mark Reynolds supporting the non-scripted team at Fremantle International.
Reynolds will continue to report to Fremantle’s group COO and CEO for Continental Europe, as well as Jens Richter, Fremantle’s CEO of commercial and international, with regards to additional responsibilities on the commercial side.
Neillis, who has been with Fremantle since 2013, is credited with spearheading the growth of the company’s premium documentary slate with series such as Arctic Drift and Klarsfeld: A Love Story.
The exec oversaw Fremantle’s global non-scripted acquisition strategy including developing, financing, curating and launching content from Fremantle’s network of labels and third-party producers.
The exec also managed relationships with non-scripted talent including Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, and series and films from producers such as 72 Films, True to Nature, Lightbox, Arrow, Docsville Studios.
Before joining Fremantle, she held senior commercial roles at BBC Worldwide, Zodiak Rights, Sky and Granada International.
It comes amid a time of restructuring at Fremantle, which last week made major changes to its UK operation, resulting in layoffs at prodcos Euston Films and Undeniable and the departures of senior execs Kate Harwood, Noemi Spanos and Mandy Chang.
This week it appointed Nicola Maccanico to the newly created role of CEO of Fremantle Italy Group and promoted Bruno Fallot to CEO for France, Iberia and Israel.
Richter said: “Angela has led the non-scripted department spanning London and LA over the last 10 years, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her contribution to the business and all her achievements.
“Angela has been a crucial part of Fremantle’s growth into the factual and documentary space. During her tenure she oversaw a huge slate of shows including Arctic Drift, Planet Sex and Expedition with Steve Backshall. She was responsible for launching entertainment juggernauts such as X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent into the international market.
“She has also been pivotal in managing and building relationships with key partners including Jamie Oliver, Arrow Media and 72 Films to name a few. We wish her all the best for the future.”
Neillis added: “After more than a decade it is now time to move on and start a new adventure. It has been an absolute pleasure working with some of the best producers in the world, developing and promoting a documentary and factual business within Fremantle and making Fremantle the production company to watch. I’m incredibly proud of our team and everything we have achieved.”
