Monks fills new commissioning role at OTF

ZDF Enterprises-owned European producer/distributor Off The Fence (OTF) has hired former TVF International and Zig Zag exec Leila Monks in a newly created role.

Leila Monks

Monks is joining the firm as head of commissioning, responsible for winning commissions in the UK and North America. Monks will work across the development, production and distribution teams as she helps to grow the company’s output.

Monks left Zig Zag Productions in London to found Antidote Productions with Laura Jones in 2014.

Antidote has produced 22 hours of content since then for broadcasters including the BBC, Channel 4, National Geographic and Blue Ant Media – all of which Monks either executive produced or directed.

Monks will now executive produce part of OTF’s output and will also use her distribution expertise to help expand its footprint globally by sourcing international coproduction partners, having spent six years heading up London-based factual distributor TVF International.

Monks said: “I am really excited about this new chapter with Off the Fence – I have admired the business for years and it’s in a unique position being able to tap into international finance and get shows into production. It has a fantastic track record in producing TV shows and big expansion plans which include the production of some incredible feature docs and digital initiatives which I’m thrilled to be a part of.”

Allison Bean, MD of Productions, said: “Since being acquired by ZDF Enterprises, Off the Fence is going from strength to strength and it has become apparent we need a robust and talented executive to lead this new chapter of our existence as we continue to mature. Leila is the perfect combination of experience, talent, tenacity and passion. She is an impressive visionary and the perfect person to unite and drive one of our most important departments.”