EXCLUSIVE: BBC Studios Natural History Unit has poached Netflix-backed indie Freeborne Media’s Laura Harris to run its development team alongside newly-promoted Jess Colman.
Gavin Boyland was replaced by the pair as Heads of Development at BBC Studios. Deadline in November revealed that Boyland will continue to work with the unit as a series producer for an unannounced landmark series. This information is expected to be made public shortly.
After two-and-a half years of being absent, Harris is back at BBC Studios after a break with Seadog TV and then with BBC Studios.Blue Planetexec James Honeyborne’s Netflix-backed studio Freeborne Media, where she was also Head of Development worked on the likes of Netflix doubleOceansandGreat National Parks
Colman has been promoted from Development Executive to help shape projects such as the forthcoming BBC One landmark Asiaand Apple TV+’sThe Year Earth Changed. She was previously Head of Development at Bristol’s natural history producer True to Nature.
Jonny Keeling, CEO of NHU, stated: “Innovation and creativity are at the heart of the Natural History Unit and to have both Jess and Laura combining their skills and experience to lead the development team will ensure we continue to deliver compelling wildlife content of the highest quality, telling original stories with emotional impact.”
Colman hails an “exciting time of growth”Harris stated she was happy to assist with the unit. “hopes [the pair will] build on its creative success.”
Signing two development chiefs to replaced Boyland is demonstrative of the NHU’s growth ambitions.
Recently, the unit opened a U.S. Hub and won commissions from many streamers and U.S. network networks in recent years. It also continues to pick up BBC landmarks.