Jim Allen, Managing Director of RDF Television, has today announced his decision to step down from the business after 12 years.
During his time at RDF, Jim has significantly grown the business, generating countless hit formats and launching the careers of many, both in front and behind the camera.
Shows including The Secret Life of 4-, 5- and 6-Year-Olds (Channel 4), Tipping Point (ITV), Eat Well for Less? (BBC One), Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents (BBC Three), 12 Puppies and Us (BBC Two), The Crystal Maze (Channel 4), How to Spend It Well (ITV), Dickinson’s Real Deal (ITV) and, most recently, Lightning (BBC Two) and Craig and Bruno’s Great British Road Trips (ITV) are just some of RDF’s hit shows under Jim’s leadership.
RDF’s entertainment slate has also grown considerably under Jim. From big peak time entertainment to hit daytime returners and popular quiz formats, including Tipping Point, now in its 10th year and delivering its highest audience share figures for young viewers ever.
In 2015, Jim oversaw the launch of entertainment label Fizz, and with Creative Director Neale Simpson at the helm, it has delivered a raft of returning shows including The Crystal Maze which has been produced successfully both in the UK and US, and recent quiz returner Lightning.
Jim has also overseen key factual productions, such as the multi award-winning BBC 1 documentary, Anton Ferdinand-Football, Racism and Me, from labels Wonder and Little Wonder.
Jim Allen said,
“I have loved my 12-year assignment at RDF and I’m really proud of what the team has achieved and built. But I’d now like a working life slightly freer from the vice-like grip of those seemingly innocent sounding acronyms EBITDA and BARB.
“I’m looking forward to mixing TV work and outside interests in what I’m reliably informed is a portfolio career. I’d like to thank fulsomely all of my colleagues and friends for their skill, support, forbearance, and undying commitment to the cause. It’s been a pleasure and privilege to combine forces.”
Marco Bassetti, Banijay CEO, added:
“For over a decade, Jim has been a central part of the Banijay business. Alongside bringing many a laugh to a boardroom and being renowned globally for his “that’s not a format” remarks, he was the brains behind a number of our break-out hits and travelling titles, which remain firmly in our catalogue today. A true entertainer, an industry icon and a smart developer and producer – he will be missed by us all. We wish him all the best in his EBITDA-free adventures ahead.”
Jim joined RDF in 2009 from ITV Productions where he held the position of Director, ITV Studios, Factual & Entertainment. During his 6 years in the role he oversaw a stellar slate of programming including I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, Love Island, Dancing on Ice, Hell’s Kitchen, Come Dine With Me, Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, and The Chase.
Jim will be stepping down at the end of the year and news of his replacement will be announced in due course.