As President of Entertainment and AMC Studios, Dan McDermott oversees the development, production, acquisition, scheduling and release of premier series and films across the company’s entire domestic distribution ecosystem, including targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, ALLBLK, HIDIVE, Shudder and Sundance Now; cable networks AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV and We TV; and film production and distribution labels IFC Films and RLJE Films. In his role, McDermott also directly manages the company’s business affairs and linear and streaming products functions, as well as AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite original franchises including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe.
McDermott is a multifaceted media executive with an industry-wide reputation for achievements in content creation, development and distribution, combined with skilled management of complex creative partnerships and network organizations. His proven business and creative acumen at top media firms such as Lionsgate, BBC Studios, DreamWorks and Fox, along with his deep roots in the creative community, make him both a valued media executive as well as a prolific and respected creator of content.
Before joining AMC Networks, McDermott was head of the Lionsgate and BBC Studios scripted TV partnership, where he oversaw all aspects of dealmaking, sales, development, production and distribution. Previously, McDermott was a successful producer, writer and partner in Di Bonaventura Pictures Television, with notable credits including The Real O’Neals, Jupiter’s Legacy, and more. For almost a decade, he served as DreamWorks’ first president of television, where he oversaw shows like Spin City, Freaks and Geeks, the award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers, and more. He also held various roles at the Fox Broadcasting Network, where he developed and oversaw such series as In Living Color, Melrose Place, The X-Files, The Simpsons, Married…with Children, Martin, Party of Five, Mad TV, and Beverly Hills, 90210. He was also responsible for overseeing The Emmys, The Billboard Awards and dozens of other specials on the network.
McDermott received his B.A. in film and television from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and continued his education as a screenwriting fellow at the American Film Institute.