Sky Studios alum Paul Gilbert named senior VP of English-language series at StudioCanal

Former BBC and Sky Studios executive Paul Gilbert has been appointed senior VP of English-language series at Canal+’s production and distribution subsidiary StudioCanal.

Paul Gilbert

Based in London and reporting to M-K Kennedy, MD of television, he will spearhead the development and production of a slate of series originating from the UK and US, which StudioCanal will produce via its recently launched in-house production arm.

Gilbert’s remit also includes working closely with StudioCanal labels Urban Myth Films, The Picture Company, SunnyMarch, Strong Film & TV, Birdie Pictures and Brock Media.

He is executive producing Army of Shadows, a political thriller for Canal+ and UK broadcaster Channel 4, and Apollo Has Fallen, the second instalment of Canal+’s Has Fallen franchise.

Previously, Gilbert was a commissioning editor for Sky Studios, executive producing series such as The Lazarus Project and A Town Called Malice. Before that, he produced journalism series Press for the BBC and Masterpiece, and Humans for Channel 4 and AMC.

His career has also included roles as head of drama development at Big Talk Productions, and as an in-house development producer at BBC Drama Production and BBC Drama Northern Ireland.

Kennedy said: “Paul’s outstanding taste, sharp story instincts and deep relationships in the UK creative community make him an invaluable addition to our team. He will play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of our English-language production arm and will provide thought partnership and support for the producers under the StudioCanal umbrella.”

Gilbert added: “We want to be a powerhouse of audacious ideas, empowering the best writers, directors and producers to deliver the kind of series that audiences everywhere want to watch and talk about.”