Zinc Media Group has made two new appointments at its new factual label, Red Sauce.
It comes following its decision to “rest” Manchester-based Blakeway North earlier this year.
In Manchester, it has recruited Ben Smith, the former Head of Development at Banijay’s Workerbee. There he was responsible for generating new formats and signing new talent.
Prior to Workerbee, he was a producer at Shiver, Shine North, BBC and True North, working on shows including Idris Elba: No Limits; The Big NHS Singalong: Live; and Supercar Megabuild.
“Red Sauce is one of the most exciting popular factual propositions in the industry,” he said.
“To have the opportunity to work alongside such a highly-respected programme maker as Tom Edwards [Creative Director] is one thing, but to be in at the start of Red Sauce’s journey, play a key role in shaping the label’s future and build a new base in Manchester makes this a particularly exciting opportunity. I’m thrilled to be joining both Red Sauce and Zinc and cannot wait to get started.”
Also joining Smith is Sefunmi Olatunbosun, who’s become Red Sauce’s Senior Development Producer in London.
“We’ve had a fantastic response to the launch of Red Sauce. We want to become a ‘go-to’ destination for popular factual and an emerging force in factual entertainment from both London and the Regions,” explained Tom Edwards, Creative Director, Red Sauce.
“These appointments are an important step in making this ambition a reality. Our unique position of also being able to bring innovative funding models to the table, through Zinc’s Branded Content Division, means we are already in discussion with a wide range of broadcasters.”
Smith takes up his role on 23rd November.
