BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the U.K. public broadcaster BBC, has named Fernando de Jesus, currently creative lead at Rare TV (Digging for Britain, Cold Case Killers), to oversee a new content development label, focused on “creating distinctive, globally scalable unscripted entertainment formats and premium factual entertainment for broadcasters, streamers and digital platforms.”
He will join former Channel 4 head of youth and digital Karl Warner, who recently established and is now leading a new creative unit within BBC Studios‘ Global Entertainment business that targets premium longform and digital formats for the U.K. and international markets.
“de Jesus brings extensive experience and a proven track record, having secured commissions totaling more than 175 hours of content for networks and streamers ,including Netflix, Fox, Disney+, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Nat Geo, Tubi and RTE,” said BBC Studios.”Most recently creative director at Rare TV, de Jesus led creative strategy across unscripted docs and formats for global audiences. His team originated new projects for Disney+, BBC, Channel 4 and RTE, including Trace, Track Get My Car Back (BBC), Futureville (RTE) and forthcoming series for Channel 4 and Disney+.
“Fernando’s range — from global formats to innovative digital-first content — makes him uniquely placed to build a fresh label with major creative firepower,” said Warner. “No idea will be too big or too ambitious for our award-winning production teams – we can’t wait for him to get started.”
Said de Jesus: “I’m genuinely buzzing to join … all the brilliant minds at BBC Studios Entertainment. With the support of this world-class global content studio behind us, I’m excited to lead the new label and create the next wave of ambitious entertainment formats and premium mischief – all with real heart, big humor and plenty of style.”
Said Rare TV chairman Alex Gardiner: “We’ve loved working with Fernando at Rare but recognize this is an excellent opportunity for him, which he should grab with both hands. We wish him every success going forward.”
A successor for the creative director role at Rare has been identified and is expected to start before de Jesus’ departure in January, the company said, without immediately naming the successor.
