Simon Steel.
Former Screentime head of factual Simon Steel has been named as McAvoy Media's new head of development.
Steel, whose list of credits include 89 episodes of RBT for the Nine Network, Taking On the Chocolate Frog for Foxtel’s STUDIO, Outback Coroner for Foxtel’s Crime & Investigation Network and Village Vets Australia for Foxtel’s Lifestyle Channel, joins the company in March.
McAvoy Media produce factual entertainment, reality and observational documentary programming.
It was founded in 2014 by television producer John McAvoy. McAvoy’s credits include Kings Cross ER, Kalgoorlie Cops, The Memorial – Beyond The Anzac Legend, What Really Happens in Bali as well as both Gold Coast Cops and Territory Cops.
In his new capacity, Steel will both develop new productions and identify existing international formats for the Australian market as well as assist in overseeing current McAvoy Media productions.
Prior to Screentime, Steel was a long time executive and series producer at The Nine Network overseeing shows such as This Is Your Life, 20 To 1 with Bert Newton and The Footy Show.
John McAvoy said Steel had a great talent for not only generating original concepts, but also executing them.
"His unique ideas have enjoyed great success both in Australia and around the world. He is widely respected throughout the industry and I'm thrilled to have him joining McAvoy Media," he said.
Simon Steel said: “I have always had immense respect for John and his work. In such a short time John's company has gone from strength to strength – I’m excited to take on this new challenge at McAvoy Media and work closely with one of the country’s leading creatives.”