The Cry prodco hires BBC, IMG alum

The Cry producer Synchronicity Films has appointed a former BBC Worldwide and IMG Media executive as its first chairman to assist with the expansion of the business.

Mark Young

Mark Young takes up the role immediately and also becomes a full director of Synchronicity, which was founded by Claire Mundell, who is also creative director at the UK company.

Young, who recently acted as a consultant and non-executive director for the company, will work with Mundell to help develop Synchronicity’s business.

Prior to Synchronicity, Young was senior VP of global entertainment distribution and acquisitions for IMG Media between 2007 and 2015.

Before that he spent more than a decade at BBC Worldwide (now known as BBC Studios), where he was a main board director as well as MD of global television sales. He has also worked for ITN as head of business affairs.

Mundell set up Synchronicity having been a drama exec at the BBC, with The Cry airing on the pubcaster in the UK and selling to networks abroad including SundanceTV in the US.

The prodco recently acquired rights to Heather Morris’s novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz, which is already in development as a multi-part TV drama, and has a first-look deal with UK-based sales outfit DRG, and today extended the partnership for a further year.

Mundell said the success of The Cry had opened new opportunities for her company that Young could help develop.

“2018 was a whirlwind year for Synchronicity Films, with the success of The Cry opening new doors and strengthening our relationships, both at home and overseas,” she said.

“It is vital now that we plan our next steps carefully, grow our brand and don’t lose any momentum. Mark’s initial consultancy was very valuable and now formally adding his commercial know-how to my creative vision for the company will take us to the next level.”

Young added: “This ambitious business has a distinctive voice, terrific energy, and has an incredible slate of scripted content in development – including worldwide bestseller The Tattooist of Auschwitz – powered by Claire’s innate ability to spot hit novels and content, and her wonderful relationships with writers.”