Matchbox Pictures’ director of unscripted and one of Australia’s leading television producers, Kylie Washington, is to join BBC Studios as its first director of production in Australia.
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Washington is the second recent departure from Matchbox after managing director Chris Oliver-Taylor was recently appointed CEO of FremantleMedia Australia.
Washington’s CV includes developing and overseeing formatted factual entertainment, including the Real Housewives brand for Foxtel, Australian Spartan for Seven and Room 101 for SBS.
In her new role, Washington will launch and manage the growth of BBC Studios’ television production arm in Australia, exploit the potential of BBC Studios’ format catalogue, drive the creation of new intellectual property and build creative partnerships between BBC Studios’ editorial teams in the UK and Australian broadcasters and digital platforms.
Washington will report into BBC Studios’ international production division, led by Anna Mallett, managing director, production and COO, BBC Studios. She will work closely with Jon Penn, managing director, BBC Studios, Australia & New Zealand, and his executive leadership team.
BBC Studios recently gained its first commission in Australia with Stargazing Live 2
Anna Mallett said: “It’s wonderful that BBC Studios has attracted someone of Kylie’s calibre, experience and passion, and I can think of no one better to lead our Australian production operation at this exciting time.”
Kylie Washington commented: “I am thrilled to be joining BBC Studios as it establishes its first production studio in Australia. It’s an exciting time of change in the Australian media and I look forward to joining a company that I have admired for many years. The BBC has such a wonderful rich history of content and I look forward to continuing that legacy within the Australian market place.”
Jon Penn said: “Kylie is a talented creative who combines a strong track record in television production with insight into the entertainment experiences our customers and their audiences are looking for. I’m looking forward to welcoming her into the business.”
BBC Studios recently gained its first commission in Australia with Stargazing Live 2, due to broadcast live on ABC and ABC iview from May 22-24. It will be produced locally for ABC by a team from BBC Studios’ Science Unit in the UK.
Top photo: Kylie Washington