BBC Comedy Head Jon Petrie Departs for Creative Director Role at Hat Trick
Jon Petrie, current BBC Director of Comedy, will depart in August to assume the role of creative director at Hat Trick Productions. Emma Lawson will serve as interim director of comedy at the BBC while a permanent replacement is sought. Petrie previously worked on shows including Amandaland, Small Prophets, Ghosts, and Here We Go during his five years at the BBC.
Key Takeaways
- Jon Petrie is exiting the BBC in August after five years as Director of Comedy.
- He will assume the role of creative director at Hat Trick Productions.
- Emma Lawson has been appointed interim Director of Comedy at the BBC.
- Petrie's tenure at the BBC included shows like 'Amandaland,' 'Ghosts,' and 'Here We Go,' and launching the BBC Comedy Festival.
Why It Matters
The departure of a seasoned comedy executive like Jon Petrie from the BBC signals a shift for both the public broadcaster and Hat Trick Productions. Petrie's move from a commissioning role to a production house creative director suggests a continued focus on fostering talent and developing new comedy formats. This change could influence future commissioning dynamics at the BBC as a new director sets their creative agenda. Industry observers will watch who the BBC appoints as Petrie's permanent successor and how that individual shapes the broadcaster's comedy strategy and independent producer relationships moving forward.
Read full article at c21media.net