Jennifer Collins.
Fremantle has appointed Jennifer Collins as the Australian director of content, a role which will see see her responsible for both scripted and unscripted development and production slates and for creating a consolidated strategy across genres.
Collins joins Fremantle from Screentime, where she was head of non-fiction. Prior to this, she was the ABC’s head of entertainment, and over her career has overseen productions such as RBT, Stop Laughing… This Is Serious, Dirty Laundry Live, Adam Hills Tonight, The Chaser Decides, Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery, Gruen Planet and Kitchen Cabinet.
Newly-minted Fremantle CEO ANZ Chris Oliver-Taylor said: “I am thrilled that Jen is joining Fremantle, she will add significant creative depth that will complement our extraordinary team at Fremantle. As a professional and on a personal-level, I think she will bring enormous value to the business, both culturally and creatively”
Collins said: “I couldn’t be more excited to have this opportunity at Fremantle to work across both scripted and unscripted, and to again work with Chris. After an incredible five years at Screentime, I’m delighted to be joining Fremantle and I look forward to working with the very best creative talent to deliver quality content for Australian and international audiences.”
Reporting to Collins are director of scripted Jo Porter; director of unscripted Caroline Spencer; and director of major formats Jonathon Summerhayes.
Oliver-Taylor said: “Fremantle is in an enviable position with some of the best creatives in the country as part of our family. I’ve worked with Jo, Spence and Jono to more clearly define their roles and the value they can deliver to our broadcast partners. It is important we have them focused on what they do best – creating amazing content. Jen will be taking the big-picture perspective looking at our slates across scripted, unscripted and major formats.”
Collins starts at Fremantle next week.