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Bendavid boards BBCS, Lionsgate JV

BBC Studios and Lionsgate have hired Rachel Bendavid as head of scripted programming for their LA-based joint-venture production outfit.

Rachel Bendavid

The UK pubcaster’s commercial and production arm linked with the US studio in LA in 2018 to develop and co-fund original scripted content for the US market.

Bendavid will be responsible for overseeing the operations and content initiatives of the television partnership, and for shepherding the development and production of its programming slate.

The partnership has already received pilot orders for its US adaptations of BBC shows This Country and Ghosts, from Fox and CBS respectively.

Before joining Lionsgate, Bendavid was VP of drama programming for ABC Entertainment, where she oversaw shows including Once Upon a Time and The Good Doctor.

Prior to that, she was VP of drama development for Fox, where she shepherded JJ Abrams’ Fringe and Ryan Murphy’s Glee. She began her television career at USA Network and also had a stint at Lifetime Television.

Bendavid said: “Lionsgate and BBC Studios are homes to deep and rich content portfolios and talent relationships, which makes this a very exciting and refreshing new venture for me. I can’t wait to continue to elevate this partnership and bring even more great programming to television audiences.”

Scott Herbst, Lionsgate exec VP of television and head of development, added: “Rachel’s leadership skills, passion for television and expert knowledge of the business will be invaluable in leading our partnership with BBC Studios and creating more great series for our content pipeline.”

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