Key Group Led By Kristin Jones Now Responsible For International Programming Across Company’s Linear Entertainment Networks and the AMC+, Acorn TV and Sundance Now Streaming Services
New York, NY – May 21, 2021 – AMC Networks today announced it was expanding the scope and focus of its international programming group, creating a larger organization responsible for finding and developing international series for all of its entertainment networks and the AMC+, Acorn TV and Sundance Now streaming services. The new group will be led by Kristin Jones, the company’s executive vice president of international programming, who has found and developed an extensive roster of hits since joining AMC Networks in 2014.
“Great shows can come from anywhere, and as we increasingly orient our company around AMC+ and our targeted streaming businesses, working independently and also in concert with our linear television networks, we think there are some real benefits and opportunities associated with having one dedicated group scouring the globe and building the relationships that will continue to deliver high-quality, distinctive, buzzy and pop culture-driving programming,” said Dan McDermott, president of original programming for AMC Networks and AMC Studios. “These are the shows that help define our relationships with viewers, across all of our networks and streaming services, and Kristin has demonstrated her ability to lead this critically important and expanded group.”
With this new structure, Jones and her team will be responsible for international programming development – co-productions, acquisitions and commissions – across the company’s four entertainment networks (AMC, BBC America, IFC and Sundance TV) as well as the targeted streaming services Acorn TV, Sundance Now and the newly launched AMC+ premium streaming bundle. Key members of Jones’ team are:
- Catherine Mackin, managing director of Acorn Media Enterprises, Acorn TV’s U.K.-based development division, which works with producers, distributors, writers and broadcasters in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and beyond to commission, co-produce and co-finance the best international, English-language scripted shows. AME has commissioned returning series like Agatha Raisin, Keeping Faith, and Queens of Mystery. Recent commissions and co-commissions include, The Reluctant Madame Blanc, Harry Wild, Whitstable Pearl, a reboot of P.D. James iconic detective Dalgleish, Under the Vines, and The Chelsea Detective.
- Don Klees, senior vice president of programming at Acorn TV has for two decades spearheaded Acorn TV’s programing slate through licensing content for the platform and developing series as well, including Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries and My Life is Murder.
- Shannon Cooper, vice president of programming at Sundance Now, is responsible for developing and acquiring new and library content for the fast-growing platform focused on glossy international drama, gritty true crime and thought-provoking documentaries.
- Noel Manzano, vice president of international programming at AMC Networks, joined the company in 2019 and is focused on identifying and developing original content with creative talent around the world for the company’s linear entertainment networks and, more recently, its streaming platforms as well.
Since arriving in 2014, initially focused on AMC, Jones and her team have delivered distinctive programming like Humans, The Night Manager, McMafia, State of the Union, A Discovery of Witches, Top of the Lake and Riviera. Most recently, the international programming group brought the company Gangs of London and The Salisbury Poisonings, which helped power the launch of AMC+ on the Apple and Amazon Prime Video platforms last fall.
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About AMC Networks Inc.
AMC Networks is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically-acclaimed content. Its portfolio of brands includes AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, IFC Films, and a number of fast-growing streaming services, including the AMC+ premium streaming bundle, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and ALLBLK. AMC Studios, the Company’s in-house studio, production and distribution operation, is behind award-winning owned series and franchises, including The Walking Dead, the highest-rated series in cable history. The Company also operates AMC Networks International, its international programming business, and 25/7 Media, its production services business.