Newly created role will expand the Banijay UK label’s presence in the North
Will Rowson has been appointed to the newly created role of Creative Director at Banijay UK’s Dragonfly North.
An award-winning creative with over 20 years’ experience in the TV industry, he joins from Channel 4 where he is Commissioning Editor for Documentaries. In this role he has commissioned a string of successful series such as ‘Night Coppers’, ‘Rescue: Extreme Medics’ and ‘Top Guns: Inside the RAF” as well as some of the broadcaster’s highest rating boxset and single docs such as ‘George Michael: Outed’, ‘Killed by a Rich Kid’ and ‘The Kidnap of Angel Lynn’ plus many more. Prior to Channel 4, Will held Executive Producer positions at Leeds-based indies Candour Productions and True North Productions. He has also worked at Blast! Films, Twofour and Love Productions.
As Creative Director for Dragonfly North, he will be responsible for driving growth in the region and building on the current slate of shows – which include BAFTA-winning BBC One series Ambulance and the forthcoming BBC Two series Moulin Rouge: Yes We Can-Can. He will also be charged with developing a slate of documentaries and factual content for UK broadcasters and SVOD services.
Based in Manchester, Will starts in November and will report directly to Dragonfly MD, Richard Bond.
Richard Bond, MD Dragonfly, said:
“Will is incredibly creative, with an amazing track record as a programme maker and commissioner. Investing in him, along with a dedicated development team to drive new business, reflects my confidence in the fantastic local talent who have already established Dragonfly North as centre of documentary excellence, and I’m looking forward to seeing them thrive with his inspirational leadership.”
Will Rowson, added:
“I’m delighted to be joining Dragonfly North. It’s a hugely successful, talented team and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together. I’ve loved my four years at Channel 4 but now I hope to contribute to the region’s growth in other ways and can’t wait to get started.”
This role is funded by the Banijay UK £50m Banijay UK Growth Fund which, as well as supporting investment in new businesses and partnerships with talent, enables existing Banijay UK labels to grow into new genres by adding key creatives. Previous deals include a first look with scripted producer, Chris Sussman and a multi project deal with Scottish documentary director and producer Kevin Macdonald. The fund has also facilitated investments in new scripted company Conker Pictures, North Wales based start-up, Ty’r Ddraig and James Norton and Kitty Kaletsky’s Rabbit Track Pictures. It has also enabled DSP to grow the business launching DSP Films headed by Graeme McAulay to focus on premium documentaries.