SBS has appointed Nakul Legha as head of scripted to oversee all of the broadcaster’s commissioned scripted content.
Legha joined SBS in January as commissioning editor and has played a key role in the production and ongoing development of SBS’s slate of locally commissioned scripted programs, including the new SBS Original romantic drama, Four Years Later.
As head of scripted, he will oversee the network’s flagship commissioned scripted series, short form content through the growing slate of Digital Originals and industry initiatives, such as Originate Features, that elevate new and diverse voices.
“I’m honoured to take on this role and build on SBS’s incredible legacy of bold and distinctive Australian stories,” Legha said of his appointment.
“SBS is one of the world’s great cultural institutions. The stories and faces on SBS were my connection to Australian culture and community as a newly arrived immigrant. I’m thrilled to be able to return the favour and deliver shows that delight, surprise and resonate with audiences here and across the world.”
John Godfrey, SBS’s head of commissioning, said: “We’re thrilled to have Nakul leading SBS Scripted, in recognition of his exceptional talents and genuine passion for Australian stories. We’re excited to see him continue to evolve our scripted slate, and create stories that celebrate and connect with all Australians.”
Legha joined SBS from Netflix where he spent several years helping to grow the streamer’s local content strategy and oversaw original developments and productions as creative executive, including the award-winning Boy Swallows Universe, Wellmania, Surviving Summer and ONEFOUR: Against All Odds.
He also led the streamer’s local film and TV programming and acquisitions, including the historic co-commission with NITV for Logie-nominated children’s series, Eddie’s Lil’ Homies.
Legha started his career as an Intellectual Property and entertainment lawyer, most recently at the ABC where he negotiated commissioning, acquisition and talent deals, and advised on key initiatives for emerging and diverse talent.
SBS’s scripted commissioning team also includes Zaina Ahmed who joined the network in May as development executive. Ahmed was the associate producer of SBS Original series, Erotic Stories, and has previously worked in television development at Wooden Horse, TV sales at eOne and TVC production at Collider.
Ahmed also serves as Coordinator for Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Taskforce. Sally Riley, former head of head of drama, entertainment and indigenous at the ABC, will continue to work with SBS Scripted as a creative consultant supporting the development of scripted projects.
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Top image: Nakul Legha