BBC launches Global Entertainment business

BBC Studios is merging its three format areas and integrating its worldwide network of production bases to create a new Global Entertainment business, which will begin operation on October 1, 2023. 

In a statement, the BBC says that "combining these teams will empower the creation and international expansion of new formats and continue to build and grow the hugely successful British versions of shows made by BBC Studios’ thriving UK production units." 

The new Global Entertainment division will also include indies in which the BBC has invested, including Mothership Productions and Mettlemouse Entertainment. They will continue to work closely with other indie partners, including Magnum Media, Final Straw Productions, Rebel Rebel Pictures and Hungry Bear Media. 

Matt Forde has been appointed managing director, with Hannah Wyatt and Suzy Lamb continuing their roles as managing directors of UK-based Factual Entertainment and Events and Entertainment and Music teams respectively.

In the last three years, the BBC's international business has doubled, with wholly owned bases in Los Angeles, California, USA; India; France; Germany; Australia; South Africa; and the Nordic countries such as Denmark, Finland, and Iceland

Forde added: "As the Global Entertainment market continues to evolve at pace bringing our UK businesses into the centre of what we do will help us to continue creating, selling and adapting the best shows and brands from the UK working with the amazing talent in our local BBC Studios offices to deliver the next generation of entertainment and reality programmes to the world."